To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio:

In view of the numerous questions from Brethren in relation to the former attempts to prepare and publish a history of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and the services of former Committees heretofore appointed in that behalf, your present Committee deems it proper to furnish a short sketch on that subject, as follows:

At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge in 1849, Brother Cornelius Moore offered the following preamble and resolution which, on motion, were adopted:

'Whereas, It is desirable, as far as possible, to rescue from oblivion, and perpetuate for future reference, the incidents connected with our early Masonic History in this State;

"And, Whereas, whatever is done in this work must be done quickly, while the materials are accessible, and a few of the early fathers linger among us;

"Therefore, Resolved, That a Committee of five be appointed by the M..·. W.·. Grand Master, to collect all such facts and incidents connected with the introduction, progress and history of Freemasonry in the State of Ohio, as may be deemed important for preservation; and especially, with reference to its influence upon the intellectual, moral and social condition of society; and that said Committee report the result of its labors to this Grand Lodge at its next Annual Communication.

"Resolved, That the members of the order all over the State, be respectfully requested to render said Committee all the assistance in their power in carrying out the purposes of the Grand Lodge as expressed in the above preamble and resolutions."

The M.·. W.·. Grand Master appointed Brothers C. Moore, Wm. Fielding, Wm. B. Hubbard, H. H. Dodge and F. M. Keith, said Committee.

At the 1850 Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge the Chairman of the Committee reported that owing to the distant residence of the other members he found it necessary to proceed with the work alone; that he had sent out circulars to all the Lodges in the State requesting assistance of the members in collecting data, etc., but they were practically unheeded; and he had met with little success, assistance, or encouragement, and suggested the appointment of a Committee to push the work, and on motion, Brothers C. Moore and John D. Caldwell, of Cincinnati, were appointed the Committee, and every Lodge and member of the Craft were urged to assist in the work.

At the 1851 session the Committee reported considerable progress and was continued another year.

At the 1853 Communication the Committee reported and was continued.
This seems to be the last report and mention of this Committee and its labors ended with no result, and the matter was allowed to rest until the Annual Communication of 1887, when Grand Master S. Stacker Williams in his address called attention to the fact that no written history of the Grand Lodge had ever been prepared or printed, and urged immediate action. Acting on these suggestions, a resolution was adopted calling upon all Past Grand Masters and Deputy Grand Masters to furnish the Grand Secretary with a brief statement of their Masonic History, including the several offices they have held; and a Committee on "Our Masonic History," composed of Brothers C. C. Kiefer, D. C. Winegarner, and L. F. Van Cleve was appointed, and M.·. W.·. Bro. S. Stacker Williams was afterwards added and made Chairman of the Committee.

At the 1889 Communication this Committee was given until the next annual session to prepare its report.

At the 1890 Communication the Committee reported recommending that steps be taken for the preparation of a Masonic History of this Jurisdiction; that the histories of the six old Lodges be prepared, and also the histories of all Lodges active or extinct and of the steps which led to the organization of the Grand Lodge; and that a Committee on History be appointed to have special charge of the work, and report to each Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge; which was unanimously adopted. The Grand Master appointed M.·. W.·. Bro. S. Stacker Williams, Chairman; M.·. W.·. Bro. C. C. Kiefer, and Bro. John F. MeVey as the Committee.

At the Communication of 1892 this Committee reported considerable progress had been made by the Chairman who has already prepared one hundred pages of manuscript for the proposed history.

At the 1893 Communication the Committee, through its Chairman, M.·. W.·. S. S. Williams, reported progress, and asked for further time, which was granted; and this is the last report from, or mention of this Committee in the proceedings.

At the Annual Communication of 1905, the question of a Masonic History having been mentioned from time to time, but no definite action taken, the M.·. W.·. Grand Master appointed a Committee of five composed of M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. M. Cunningham, P. G. M.; R.·. W.·. Bro. J. H. Bromwell, Grand Secretary; M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. A. Belt, P. G.; M.·. W.·. Bro. Leander Burdick, P. G. M., and Bro. T. C. Coates, District Lecturer, to take up this matter and push it to a speedy conclusion.

This Committee sent out to each Lodge a printed circular requesting information, and at the 1906 Communication reported that 101 Lodges had complied and filed their reports; and the Grand Lodge ordered compliance with their requests and instructed the District Lecturers to urge prompt responses. At the 1907 Communication the Committee reported that 225 Lodges had filed reports and the Committee was continued for the purpose of preparing the History.

The Committee finding cooperative work unsatisfactory, the compilation and preparation was delegated to the Chairman of the Committee, who was appointed Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of Ohio by the M.·. W.·. Grand Master, which was approved by the Grand Lodge.

At the 1908 Communication the Committee, through its Chairman, reported that the Chairman and Grand Historian had compiled and completed the first volume of the History, covering the history of a number of the early Lodges chartered before 1825, and the history of the Grand Lodge from its organization in 1808 to and including the Communication of 1844, and had the same ready for the printer; that bids had been received for the printing and binding of this volume, and recommended the preparation of two additional volumes; which was approved by the Grand Lodge, and the Committee directed to proceed with its labors.

At this Communication Bro. T. C. Coates tendered his resignation from the Committee, which was accepted, and M.·. W.·. Bro. George D. Copeland, P. G. M., was appointed to fill the vacancy.

M.·. W.·. Brother Cunningham supervised the printing of this first volume and it was practically his last labor on earth; and will stand as a monument to his ability, learning, and high standing as a Masonic Historian.

On August 16, A. D. 1909, M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. M. Cunningham departed this life full of honors, and mourned by the entire Masonic Fraternity of this State and the world.

His death was a great loss to the Craft of Ohio, as his long service in and attendance at every Communication of this Grand Lodge for over fifty years, his experience as Chairman of the Committees on Foreign Correspondence in the several Masonic Bodies for over a quarter of a century, and his ability as a Masonic author eminently fitted him to fill the office of Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge and compile and prepare the remaining volumes of its History.

The M.·. W.·. Grand Master appointed W. Bro. John G. Reeves, Past Master of Lancaster Lodge, No. 57, as Chairman of the Committee, and Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, which was approved by the Grand Lodge, and the Committee designated him to compile, and prepare the remaining volumes and complete the work, and it was decided that the History of the Grand Lodge proper from 1845 to 1908, inclusive, should be prepared and printed first, leaving the histories of the Subordinate Lodges to follow.

The Chairman commenced the preparation of the History, using as a basis the original proceedings of the Grand Lodge from 1845 to the present, including the Reports of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence The Masonic Review, the Voice of Masonry, the masonic-Voice-Review, published as Cincinnati and Chicago, the Freemason's Monthly, edited by Cornelius Moore, and such other Masonic publications as had as threw light on the subject.

At the 1912 Communication the Committee reported that the History from 1844 to 1909 had been prepared and complied, ready to be placed in the hands of the printer; that bids had been received by three different publishers, but were defective and were returned for corrections; and the committee was authorized to proceed to let the contract and continue the work to completion.

In compliance of this authority corrected bids were received, the contract for the printing and binding awarded to the lowest bidder and the manuscript copy placed in the hands of the printer.

It was decided to extend the work to include the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge at its One Hundred and Third Annual Communication, 1912, and blind the same in two volumes of uniform size with volume 1, which was prepared by M.·. W.·. Brother William M Cunningham, and covers the history of the Grand Lodge from its organization in 1808 to 1844, inclusive; to issue volume 2, covering the period from 1845 to 1891, inclusive, and volume 3 from 1892 to 1912, inclusive.

It was found that a considerable sum could be saved by binding and distributing both these volumes at the same time, the second volume was held until the third was completed and ready for binding and distribution, and the same is herewith

Respectfully submitted,
John G. Reeves
J. H. Bromwell
W. A. Belt
Leander Burdiek
George D. Copeland
Committee

The annual session of the Grand Lodge convened in Mason's Hall, Columbus, Ohio, Tuesday, October 21, 1845; sixty-eight Chartered Lodges, and seven under Dispensations being represented.

The Grand Master reports that, since the last Grand Communication, Dispensations have been granted constituting five new Lodges, as follows:

February 15, Sparta Lodge, at Millersburg, Holmes County.
February 24, Tuscarawas Lodge, at Dover.
June 6, Cincinnati Lodge, at Cincinnati
June 18, Rising Sun Lodge, at Ashtabula.
July 29, Vinton Lodge, at Vinton.

The Deputy Grand Master reported he bad granted a Dispensation for a new Lodge in Preble County.

The Grand Master refers to his attendance at two special communications of the Grand Lodge "of no ordinary Masonic interest." The first, June 4, at Cincinnati, at the instance of Nova Cesarea Harmony Lodge, No. 2, to lay the "head stone of the corner" of the Masonic Hall built by said Lodge, and which the Grand Master describes as "an ornament to that beautiful City, and an enduring monument to the munificence, taste, and Masonic spirit of the Brother-hood there," and he also refers to his meeting Bro. Griffin Yeatman, the first initiate of the above Lodge, on March 4, 1795, and still living, and at that time and until his death a member in good standing in said Lodge. As stated, "he was probably the first upon whose vision the mysterious light of Masonry beamed, west of the Allegheny mountains." His portrait will be found facing page 70 of the first volume of this History, and a cut of the old Masonic Temple mentioned opposite page 67. A description of the Temple will be found on page 18, Vol. 1, Masonic Review, and a full account of its dedication June, 24, 1846, by Grand Master, William B. Thrall, on pages 217 to 224 of same volume, also, a sketch of the Lodge on page 278 same volume.

The other event was the special communication of the Grand Lodge at Circleville, under the auspices of Pickaway Lodge, No.23, to dedicate the new Masonic Hall, on August 24; a full report of the services and proceedings will be found on page 13, Vol. 1, of Masonic Review.

The Grand Master also calls attention to the fact that the edition of the Book of Constitutions was exhausted, and recommends that the printing of a new edition be authorized, and urges the necessity of uniformity in the work, and commends the system of Bro. Reed, Grand Lecturer, and refers to the National Convention held in 1843.

The Committee on Ways and Means, and the Debts and Credits of the Grand Lodge made a full report, which was approved, and the final report on page 54 shows the—

Total debt of the Grand Lodge $4,580.25
Gross receipts for year 2,823.51
Leaving outstanding debts $1,756.74

a splendid showing for the year.

Charters were granted to the following Lodges: Cincinnati, Amity, Sparta, Vinton, Rising Sun, Union, Libanus, and Tuscarawas.

The following Lodges were authorized to change : their places of meeting, as follows:
Wood County, No.112, from Washington to Plain Township.
New Richmond, No.122, to Moscow.
Washington, No. 108, to West Bedford.

A number of Lodges were granted time to pay their indebtedness to the Grand Lodge.

The Grand Lodge received greetings from the Grand Lodge of Texas and an offer to exchange representatives, and returned cordial assurances of friendship, and recommends Bro. W. B. Hubbard, but stated this Grand Lodge had not yet adopted the representative system.

On Wednesday, October 22, at 1 p. m. the Grand Lodge formed a procession and repaired to Trinity Church where Grand Orator, Rev. Bro. Erastus Burr, delivered an eloquent and instructive address, which was printed and attached to the original proceedings.

The Grand Lodge adopted a resolution commending the Masonic Review, published at Cincinnati, by Bro. C. Moore, to the patronage of the Craft.

The report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence covering seven pages, 47 to 53 inclusive, is very interesting. They call attention to the small attendance at the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, but commend their action in "dealing out even-handed justice to eight delinquent Lodges;" score the Grand Lodge of New York for their dictatorial style and assumption of authority; comment on the practice in Maryland Lodges of conferring the degree of Past Master on all Master Masons indiscriminately; commend the Grand Lodges of Indiana and Kentucky, and several other jurisdictions; comment on the subject of uniformity of the work; oppose sending Delegates to Europe to obtain Masonic information; and call attention to the failure of the National Convention at Baltimore, in May, 1842, to accomplish the expected result, etc., and make many practical suggestions for the future.

The Grand Secretary was ordered to prepare and print with the proceedings a proper form for return to Grand Lodge and proxy, which was done, and to have six hundred copies of the proceedings of this communication printed, and distributed as directed.

At the election for Grand Officers, M.·. W.·. William B. Thrall, of Cireleville, was re-elected Grand Master.

The annual session of the Grand Lodge convened Mason's Hall in the City of Dayton, October 20, 1846, with seventy-eight Chartered Lodges, and under Dispensations represented.

Grand Master in his address congratulates Craft that peace, tranquility, and prosperity in our Order, not only in our jurisdiction, but throughout the habitable globe. He reports the restoration of charter to Northern Light Lodge, No.40, and granting of Dispensations for ten new Lodges, as follows:

Harrisville Lodge, at Harrisville, Medina County
Sharon, at Sharon, Morgan County
Butlerville, at Butlerville, Warren County
Chandler, at London, Madison County
Bucyrus, at Bucyrus, Crawford County
Columbia, at Columbia, Guernsey County
Coshocton, at Coshocton
West Union, at West Union, Adams County
Hiram, at Delaware
Xenia, at Xenia

The last four of these Lodges occupy the places of Lodges formerly existing in the same localities, but long since become defunct. The remaining six were in new territory.

The names of the Charter members of each of these Lodges are given, but for brevity are omitted here.

He comments on the developments of invention during the past few years, the cotton gin, the steam engine, the railroad car, and electricity, all made subservient to the uses of man, which "have touched, as if by magic wand the various pursuits of industry and enterprise, and the policy of nations is changed by the contact;" and ascribes to Masonry proper credit for its influence in strengthening and upbuilding all that is good in humanity, and cites with approval the remark of the venerable Gottlieb Steinman, of Lancaster Lodge, No.57, that "Masonry is Masonry all the while."

Four special communications were held during the year.

June 10, at Lancaster, Ohio, to lay the corner stone of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

June 24, at Cincinnati, to dedicate the Masonic Hall of Nova Cesarea, Harmony Lodge, No.2, a full account of which, with the ceremonies and services is printed in the appendix.

June 25, at request of Milford Lodge, No.54, Clermont County, to lay the corner stone of a new Masonic edifice.

July 25, at request of Amity Lodge, No.131, Jackson, C. H., to dedicate their new Masonic Hall.

A revised edition of the Book of Constitutions, embracing the Constitution, By-Laws, etc., of the Grand Lodge, was brought out by the enterprise of an individual Brother (Bro. Charles Scott) and a number of copies placed in the hands of the Grand Treasurer, subject to the order of the Grand Lodge; and during the session the Grand Treasurer was directed to purchase five hundred copies, send one copy to each Subordinate Lodge and Grand Lodge Officer, and sell the balance at twenty-five cents per copy.

On October 21, at half past 2 o'clock P. M. the Grand Lodge assembled, formed procession and marched to the Methodist Church, where the Grand Orator an appropriate and eloquent address.

Past Grand Master Anthony, on behalf the American Bible Society, presented the Grand Lodge a beautiful copy of the Holy Scriptures, which was received and accepted on behalf the Grand Lodge by Grand Master, W. B. Thrall. The Grand Treasurer and Secretary were appointed a committee to procure a suitable case for the Bible, and ascertain the name, age, date of election, and time of service of each Grand Master down to the present, and register the same in the Bible, which was to be kept by the same Officer, and preserved with the other jewels of the Grand Lodge.

Charters were granted to the following Lodges:

Harrisville, No.137; Sharon, No.136; Chandler, No.138; Bucyrus, No.139; Coshocton, No.96; Hiram, No.18; West Union, No.43; Xenia, No.49.

Montgomery Lodge was resuscitated and authorized to resume labor under the old Number, 94; and Lafayette Lodge, No.79, was granted a duplicate Charter.

The delegates from all the Lodges to which Charters were granted were admitted to seats in the Grand Lodge.

Interesting and instructive reports were submitted by the Committees of Ways and Means; Credits and Debts of Grand Lodge; State of the Order; Property of Grand Lodge, and several Special Committees, but are too lengthy for insertion.

Grand Lodge Certificates were abolished and the By-Laws providing for them repealed, and the Grand Secretary ordered to give immediate notice to the several Grand Lodges of this action, and all such certificates were recalled.

"The Craftsman," compiled by Bro. Cornelius Moore, and published by Bro. Jacob Ernst, of Cincinnati, was submitted to a Committee for examination, and on their report was approved by the Grand Lodge and commended to the Subordinate Lodges. The "Masonic Review" was also approved and commended to the Craft for their support.

The Report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence covering eleven pages (67 to 78) gives a general summary of the important questions raised and decided in the several Grand Lodges. It agrees with the Grand Lodge of Indiana in calling attention to the "reprehensible practice" of admitting temporary residents to the Order without proper information of their character, and, on frivolous pretexts, declaring cases of emergency and suspending the laws; with the Grand Lodge of Virginia, in opposing the recording of yeas and nays in the Grand Lodge Journal; and of innovations of the Grand Lodge of Missouri in "allowing the previous question, motion to adjourn, etc.; records its opposition to the proposed General Grand Lodge; discusses the question of "bodily infirmity," citing the action of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, in the case of Hon. John Pope, formerly a United States Senator, and a number of other Grand Lodges; commend the Craftsman, etc., by C. Moore; and the action of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, in condemning dueling, and approvingly calling attention to the "very general abandonment of the use of refreshments in the Lodge room," and to the following definitions incorporated in the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin:

1. Ample Form- The Grand Lodge is declared to be in Ample Form when the Grand Master presides.
2. Due Form- When the Deputy Grand Master presides.
3. And In Form- When opened in the absence of both Grand Master and his Deputy.

William B. Thrall was reelected Grand Master, and the Grand Lodge voted to hold its next meeting at Zanesville.

Grand Lodge convened in Hall of Lafayette, Lodge No.79, Zanesville, October 19; ninety-four Chartered Lodges, and sixteen under Dispensation being represented.

The Grand Master reported thirteen Dispensations issued by him for new Lodges, as follows:
November 13, Malta Lodge, Morgan County. December 10, Mt. Olive Lodge, Plymouth, Washington County.

January 1, Toledo Lodge, Toledo, Lucas County
April 15, Aberdeen Lodge, Aberdeen, Brown County
April 19, Hamer Lodge, Bethlehem, Stark County
April 26, Ashland Lodge, Ashland, Ashland County
May 15, Western Sun Lodge, Wheelersburg, Scioto County
May 15, McMillan Lodge, Cincinnati
June 8, Rimmon Lodge, Urbana
June 10, Magnolia Lodge, Columbus
July 30, Venus Lodge, Mansfield
August 2, Buckeye Lodge, New Richmond
September 29, Farmers' Lodge, Fredonia, Licking County

And the Deputy Grand Master for three Lodges, as follows:

May 10, Dayton Lodge, Dayton
July 21, Greenville Lodge, Greenville, Darke County
September 29, Covington Lodge, Covington, Miami County

Making in all sixteen Lodges.

Three Special Communications of the Grand Lodge were held during the year, as follows: May 19, at London, to install the Officers of Chandler Lodge, No. 138; June 24, at Chillicothe, observance of festival of St. John, the Baptist, and on the same day at Salem, to lay the corner stone of the Masonic edifice at that place.

Charters were granted to the following Lodges:
Malta, Mt. Olive, Toledo, Aberdeen, Hamer, Ashland, Western Sun, McMillan, Rimmon, Magnolia, Venus, Buckeye, Dayton, Cheviot, Greenfield, and the Dispensations for Covington and Farmers' Lodges were continued to the next session.

By resolutions Magnolia Lodge was assigned No.20, and Western Sun 91.

The Charter of Salem Lodge, No.87, which had been arrested by the Grand Master, was restored. On recommendation of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations, Dispensations were granted for the following new Lodges: New Vienna, at New Vienna, Clinton County; Russellville, at Russellville, Brown County, and Hamer, at Wapakoneta, Allen County.

On October 20, the Grand Lodge was called from labor, formed a procession and marched to the Episcopal Church where R.·. W.·. W. B. Hubbard, delivered an appropriate address.

Bro. Charles Scott presented a proposition to reprint the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge from organization 1808 to 1847, to be sold at $2.00 per copy. The Grand Treasurer was ordered to subscribe for fifty copies, and each Lodge recommended to subscribe for at least one copy for use of the Lodge. The Grand Treasurer was authorized to procure a Square and Compasses to correspond with the other Jewels of the Grand Lodge. The Secretary was ordered to hereafter omit the names of persons rejected from the reports.

Bro. Samuel Reed, Grand Lecturer, presented his resignation which was accepted with great regret, and a resolution of thanks for the able manner in which he had performed his duties adopted.

The Committee on Ways and Means presented a report showing the Grand Lodge is free from debt, with a balance in the treasury, and congratulate that Body on its financial prosperity during the past few years, and make valuable suggestions as to the future.

The Deputy Grand Master reported that on the eve of St. John, the Evangelist, he assisted in the dedication of the new Masonic Hall in Troy, and installed the Officers of Franklin Lodge, No.14.

Several important questions were settled by the Grand Lodge, among which are the following:

1. As to the qualifications of petitioners for a Dispensation for a new Lodge, and whether if the petition was in due form, the Grand Master was compelled as a matter of course to grant the Dispensation and the Grand Lodge to approve and to issue a Charter which was referred to a select Committee, whose able report will be found on pages 17-19 original, and pages 618-620 of reprint, and was adopted declaring that the "Masonic qualifications" in addition to "moral character" required in Article XII, organic law, relates to the full number of eight named therein, and means that each understand the work of the first three degrees. That the Standing Committee on Charters and Dispensations be instructed to report against granting a Charter for any new Lodge that may be a burden on the Grand Lodge; that said Committee has the undoubted right to report in favor of, or against, issuing a Dispensation or Charter for a new Lodge; that the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master have the undoubted right to grant or refuse warrants for Dispensations for new Lodges, as in their judgment may appear for the best interests of Masonry, even though the applications may be in due form; that each subordinate Lodge be required in its by-laws to provide that each applicant before advancement be required to be examined in open Lodge and found qualified in the lectures of the degrees by him then possessed.

2. At a meeting of Columbia Lodge, in July, two colored men applied to be initiated, the petitions were referred to a Committee who reported favorably as to their character, but recommended that before a ballot be taken the following query be propounded to the Grand Lodge:

"Would it be practicable in Ohio to receive colored persons into our Lodges? And would the Grand Lodge grant a Charter for a Lodge of colored persons, if the requisite number would apply?" which was referred to a select Committee of three.

The Chairman of this select Committee proposed to the Grand Lodge for instruction the following questions:

"1. Is this Grand Lodge prepared to recognize a real or pretended Lodge existing within her jurisdiction, or even others, previous to the recognition of the Grand Lodge under whose jurisdiction the said real or pretended Lodge is chartered?
"2. Will this Grand Lodge allow other so-called Grand Lodges to establish Lodges within its jurisdiction, and is it ready to recognize Lodges so established?
"3. Does this Grand Lodge recognize the right of holding communication or conversation on subjects appertaining to Masonry with clandestine Masons, when their illegitimacy is acknowledged by themselves?"

The same evening the Chairman of the Committee offered the following resolution which was adopted:

"Resolved, That in the opinion of this Grand Lodge it would be inexpedient, and tend to mar the present harmony of the fraternity to admit any of the persons of color, so called, into the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge."

A motion calling on the above select Committee to report early next morning, was tabled. The Committee afterward asked to be discharged from further consideration of the subject, which was done. An attempt was made to have the papers, etc., referred to a select Committee of one to report at next session, which was indefinitely postponed.

Thus was disposed of an ill advised proposition so fraught with danger to the peace, harmony, and prosperity of this Grand Lodge and its subordinates, and to the high standing and fraternal recognition among the legitimate Grand Lodges of the World.

Rule 15 for subordinate Lodges was amended so that no candidate shall be received in any but his nearest Lodge, except by vote of said Lodge, or in a city or town in which he resides. Recommended, That no public festival be held unless demanded by, and will 'be productive of, the interests of the Craft. The "Freemason" published at Boston, by Bro. C. W. Moore, recommended to the support of the Craft.

M. Z. Kreider, of Lancaster, was elected and installed Grand Master. Columbus selected as next place of meeting, and 750 copies of the proceedings ordered printed.

Grand Lodge convened in the Senate Chamber in Columbus, September 25, one hundred and twenty-three Lodges represented.

The Grand Master reported thirteen Dispensations issued by him for new Lodges, as follows:

November 8, Clark, at Springfield, Clark County
December 25, Thrall, at Fredericktown, Knox County
January 8, Lithopolis, Lithopolis, Fairfield County
February 15, Hebardsville, at Hebardsville, Athens County
March 7, Mad River, at West Liberty, Logan County
March 29, Hildreth, at Republic, Seneca County
April 1, Palestine, at Marysville, Union County
April 5, Pomeroy, Pomeroy, Meigs County
May 13, King Solomon's, at Elyria, Lorain County
May 18, Camden, at Camden, Preble County
May 20, Philodorean, at Nelsonville, Athens County
June 17, Latham, at Kenton, Hardin County
September 4, Science, at Sandusky City, Erie County

And the Deputy Grand Master four, as follows:

January, Cynthia, in the northwest part of Cincinnati
February 28, Yeatman, at Columbia, Hamilton County
March 6, Waynesville, at Waynesville, Warren County
August 26, Lynchburg, at Lynchburg, Highland County

On invitation from the Grand Encampment of Ohio Knights Templar, the Grand Lodge participated in the memorial services of the late Bro. Bela Latham, Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Ohio, at the First Presbyterian Church.

The Deputy Grand Master reported that on June 24, 1848, he laid the corner stone of a Masonic edifice, at Mt. Pleasant, Hamilton County, at the request of Marion Lodge, No.120, and on July 4, laid the corner stone of the Ohio Mechanics Institute, at Cincinnati.

Ordered that hereafter in all cities and towns containing more than one subordinate Lodge, the Secretaries of the Lodges should give notice to all other such Lodges of all applicants for initiation, stating age, occupation and place of residence.

The Past Grand Wardens who were such at the adoption of the present Grand Constitution, were ex-officio members of the Grand Lodge and could not be deprived of a right which had accrued to them under the pre-existing Code, and were still members of the Grand Lodge, and entitled to all their rights as such.

The Treasurer was instructed to procure proper Jewels for the Grand Master, and Grand Chaplain, and repair the other Jewels. The Grand Constitution, Laws etc., ordered published with the Proceedings; 5th Rule adopted at last session was amended, as follows: "That previous to advancement all candidates shall be examined in open Lodge in the degree they have taken, and be found to possess a knowledge, at least of what is called the work lecture of that degree." The Grand Secretary was authorized to subscribe for 250 additional copies of the Reprint of Proceedings, if those of the present session are included at no additional cost.

Charters were granted to the following Lodges:
Science, No.50; Farmers', No.153; Latham, No.154; Cynthia, No.155; Hebardsville, No.156; Philodorean, No.157; Palestine, No.158; Camden No.159; New Vienna, No.160; Mad River, No.161; Yeatman, No.162; Waynesville, No.163; Pomeroy, No.164; Hildreth, No.165; Russellville, No.166, Hamer, No.167; Covington, No.168; Lithopolis, No.169; and King Solomon's Lodge was resuscitated, and Dispensations were granted for the following new Lodges Bridgeport, at Bridgeport, Belmont County; Jefferson, at Smithfield, Jefferson County; and Thoruhill, at New Castle, Coshocton County, and the Dispensations for Lynchburg and Thrall were continued to next session.

The Trustees of Worthington College, through James Kilbourne, President, submitted a proposition to the Grand Lodge for the transfer of the property of the College for use in funding a Masonic College; the Committee on Education submitted a lengthy report on the subject, but no final action was taken.

The report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence covering thirty-six pages, and reviewing the Proceedings, etc., of thirty-four Grand Jurisdictions, some of them for two or three years, is replete with valuable information on various subjects relating to the history and status of the Order, but we can only mention briefly a few of the most important, and refer the Masonic student to the report for the details.

GENERAL GRAND LODGE

This subject covers nearly ten pages, giving an interesting history of the various attempts to form a General Grand Lodge, from the first proposition by the Grand Lodge of Georgia in 1790, including the various Conventions held for that purpose to the year 1848, and a number of the arguments pro and con on the subject, from the reports of the various Grand Lodges.

TAXING MASONS NOT MEMBERS OF LODGES

The action of various Grand Lodges assessing such tax is discussed, covering four pages, but our Committee enter their dissent to the proposition.

GRAND LODGE CERTIFICATES

"These seem to be going out of use," but the Committee call attention to the circular sent out by the Grand Lodge of New York, (where certificates are still required of their members), stating that several clandestine Lodges exist within her borders, and suggesting refusal to examine any visitor from that State does not produce a proper Certificate, and the committee report no impropriety in requiring professed Masons who hail from jurisdictions where certificates are required, "to show their papers."

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

Attention is called to the proposed amendment to Grand Lodge, of New York, to create all Past Masters of Subordinate Lodges Honorary Members of the Grand Lodge; and the action of the Grand Lodge, of Massachusetts, authorizing the conferring this honor on Brethren of eminence out of the State, and our Committee join with that of Florida "in protesting against this innovation in our Order."

AFRICAN RACE

Attention is called to the fact that this question was raised for the first time, at the last Grand Communication, and that much feeling was manifested on that occasion, showing the importance of meeting the question fairly and determining it finally.

After discussing the condition of the race as a whole in the United States, the Committee state they "do not possess the qualifications required by our ancient Constitutions. If there was a regular and lawful Lodge of Colored Masons in the United States, the question would assume a different shape * * * but such is not the fact, as little doubt remains in our mind that all the colored Lodges in the Union are clandestine. As has been truly said: 'It can only be for the purpose of evil and not to strengthen and build up Masonry, that such inquiry (that of uniting the colored population in the bonds of Masonry) can be seriously and recklessly urged.' The Committee report that the resolution passed at our last Grand Communication, and found on page 41 of the Proceedings, is sufficient to meet the question, and all the action this Grand Lodge ought to have in the premises." The Committee also call attention to the fact that the Grand Lodge of New York was not satisfied with this action and charged that our Grand Lodge had its attention called to the fact that clandestine colored Lodges existed in this State for some years, and that pretended Lodges exist in New York and New Jersey claiming to hold Charters from the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Our Committee courteously reply that no such Charters were issued or Dispensations granted by our Grand Lodge or its Officers, and might have added "a fact that was known, or should have been known by the Grand Lodge of New York, and its Officers," and further, that such insinuations came with bad grace from New York, whose Grand Lodge was on October 7, 1818, called in emergency session, and a Committee appointed to investigate the call, etc., of an African Lodge of Masons, which Committee reported on March 3, 1819, and the record shows "whereupon the report was accepted, and no further order taken on the subject." Also at the session of December 31, 1828, on the report of the Deputy Grand Master, a Committee was appointed to investigate (African) Boyer Lodge, No. 1, which on March 4, 1829, presented a lengthy report to the session showing the existence of said Lodge, its pretended origin (which they declare illegitimate) and the further fact that Masters and members of Lodges subordinate to the Grand Lodge of New York, had visited this Lodge, and permitted its members to visit their Lodges during work, and concluding by declaring this and all similar Lodges clandestine and interdicting communication therewith, which report was adopted, but no action taken to punish the persons who had violated Masonic Law. See McClenachan's History of the Grand Lodge of New York, Vol.2, pages 284 and 596.

Again at the session of 1845, Boyer Lodge, No.1 made application for recognition, which was referred to a Committee which reported adversely, and report adopted; and this matter came up again in 1851, between the Grand Lodge of New York, and of Hamburg. See same History, Vol. 3, pages 114, 119, and 430, to which the Masonic student is referred for a detailed statement of these matters, and which will be found interesting in view of questions of similar import arising later in the history and proceedings of our own Grand Lodge, and which will receive attention in their regular course.

The Committee protests against the introduction in several Grand Lodges of what it terms "new tests," which it declares is in direct contravention of the Ancient Constitution and Landmarks, and calls attention to the fact that our 6th Rule is precisely in the language of the Ancient Constitution.

Attention is called to the difficulty existing between the Grand Lodges of Louisiana and Mississippi, by reason of the claimed unwarranted invasion of the jurisdiction of the former by the latter, and an extended discussion of the matter, which will be found very instructive to the Masonic student. Our Committee admonishes the Grand Lodge of Mississippi that its action is contrary to established Masonic usage, and exhorts it to rescind its action.

The Grand Lodge of Vermont is again hailed back into the galaxy of working Grand Lodges, after its long inactivity caused by the anti-masonic excitement and persecution.

As to the effect of the suspension of a Lodge by the Grand Lodge, the Committee is of the opinion it does not affect the standing of any member who does not participate in the cause of suspension, or in disregarding the edicts of the Grand Lodge after knowledge of the same.

M. Z. Kreider was reelected and installed M.·. W.·. Grand Master, and Steubenville selected for next place of meeting.

Grand Lodge convened at Temperance Hall, in Steubenville, Monday, October 15, A. D. 1849, 138 Lodges represented.

The Grand Master reported he had attended the laying of the corner stone of the Grand Lodge Hall of Indiana, pursuant to resolution passed at last session; announced the receipt of a copy of the Masonic Text Book of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, with certain resolutions of that Grand Lodge, and asked for them an examination and response; called attention to the insubordination and trouble in the Grand Lodge of New York; and to the report of Bro. William Fielding, the Grand Lecturer of this State, which is inserted in full in his address, and covers thirty pages of the proceedings, every page of which contains highly interesting and instructive facts relative to Masonic history, traditions, work and progress.

Dispensations were issued for thirteen new Lodges, as follows:
December 16, 1848, Mingo, at Logan, Hocking County
February 8, 1849, Tippecanoe, at Tippecanoe City, Miami County
March 28, 1849, Warpole, at Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County
April 25, 1849, Utica, at Utica, Licking County
May 7, 1849, Morning Dawn, at Gallipolis, Gallia, County
May 10, 1849, Mount Moriab, at New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas County
July 26, 1849, Wellsville, at Wellsville, Columbiana County
August 7, 1849, Superior, at West Unity, Williams County
August 8, 1849, Saint Paul, at Saint Paul, Territory of Minnesota
August 20, 1849, Done, at Deavertown, Morgan County
September 25, 1849, Kreider, at Quincy, Logan County
October 1, 1849, Lafayette, at Newcomerstown, Tuscarawas County
October 11, 1849, Cambridge, at Cambridge, Guernsey County

The Deputy Grand Master reported he had been invited to dedicate the new Hall erected by Marion Lodge, No.120, at Mt. Pleasant, but being unable to attend had delegated Bro. J. L. Vattier, who had performed the duty assigned to him, on January 8; that on February 10, he had dedicated the new Hall of Milford Lodge, No.54, and installed their Officers; that Companion Jacob Graff, Grand High Priest of Ohio, was present and installed the Officers of Milford Chapter R. A. M., and Brother W. H. Raper delivered an address.

Rev. Brother Wm. T. Leacock, D. D., President of the Masonic College of Kentucky, presented and read a letter from the Grand Master of Kentucky to this Grand Lodge, introducing him, and asking fraternal consideration of the object of his visit, which letter was referred to a Committee, which reported commending Bro. Leacock to the subordinate Lodges of the State.

Bro. Leacock on invitation, on October 17, delivered a Masonic Oration to the Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter, and Grand Encampment of Ohio, assembled in the Episcopal Church, for which a vote of thanks was tendered, and a copy of his address requested for publication.

A Resolution requesting the Grand Master to appoint a Committee of three to procure and forward in the name and on behalf of this M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge, a suitable block of Ohio marble to be laid in the monument now being erected in Washington City, to the memory of our illustrious Brother, George Washington, was unanimously adopted, and Brothers C. Moore of Cincinnati, D. P. Leadbetter of Millersburg, and Isaac C. Copelen of Cincinnati, appointed.

A preamble and resolution was adopted, That a Committee of five be appointed by the Grand Master, to collect the facts and incidents connected with the introduction, progress and history of Freemasonry in the State of Ohio, as may be important for preservation, etc., and the Grand Master appointed Brothers C. Moore, Wm. Fielding, Wm. B. Hubbard, H. H. Dodge and F. M. Keith.

Harmony Lodge, No.8, and Rimmon Lodge, No.146, were authorized to consolidate; ordered that a Charter be reissued to Medina Lodge to bear same date as one issued in 1843; Leesburg Lodge, No.78, was authorized to move the Lodge to Greenfield, Highland County; Wood County Lodge, No.112, authorized to hold their Lodge in Center Township near Bowling Green. Grand Treasurer reported he had procured Jewels for the M.·. W.·. Grand Master and Grand Chaplain, and had the other Jewels repaired, and the bill for same, $30.00 was ordered paid. Committee on Foreign Correspondence was given until next session to report. Cincinnati was chosen as next place of meeting, third Tuesday of October, A. D., 1850. By resolution the Grand Lodge decided and ordered that a Subordinate Lodge which had expelled one of its members, has the power, on good cause, to reinstate him, and that the Grand Lodge has the same right and power. A preamble and resolution was adopted rescinding the preamble and resolution adopted at the 1843 session "approving and authorizing the Masonic work agreed upon by the Baltimore Convention, which said work we do not now possess or abide by."

Charters were granted to the following Lodges:
Thrall, No.170; Mingo, No.171; Done, No.172; Thornhill, No.173; Tippecanoe, No.174; Lafayette, No.175; Warpole, No.176; Mount Moriah, No.177; Lynchburg, No.178; Superior, No.179; Wellsville, No.180; Bridgeport, No.181; Jefferson, No.182; Utica, No.183; and Morning Dawn assigned No.7. Temple Lodge, No.28, was permitted to resume labor as a working Lodge under its original Charter, and Western Star Lodge, No.21, was also permitted to resume labor under its original Charter, and the work done by its members under its name was legalized. On recommendation of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations, Dispensations were issued to the following new Lodges: Bainbridge, Ross County; Washington, at New Carlisle, Clark County; Tu-cn-da-wie, at Defiance, Defiance County.

The Dispensations heretofore granted to the following Lodges were continued to next session: Saint Paul, at Saint Paul, Territory of Minnesota, and the Grand Secretary was directed to notify the W. Master this Lodge that one J. Hughes, acting as S.·. W.·. of that Lodge, is not a regular Mason but an impostor, and should be excluded from the Lodge; also the to Kreider Lodge, at Quincy, Ohio, and that of Cambridge, Guernsey County.

M.·. W.·. M. Z. Kreider, was elected and installed as Grand Master for the ensuing year.

The first name to appear on the Roster of our Dead for this year (page 116 of original proceedings) is that of Griffin Yeatman, of N. C. Harmony Lodge, No.2, who died March 4, 1849, and is the same Brother mentioned by the Grand Master in 1849 as being present at the dedication of the Masonic Hall that year, and whose portrait faces page 70 of the first volume of this History. He was born in Westmoreland County, Va., March 8, 1770, came to Cincinnati, June 20, 1793, where he resided until his death, a period of nearly 56 years. N. C. Harmony Lodge, No.2, was organized under a Charter from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, December 27, A. D. 1794, and G. Yeatman presented his petition February 4, 1795, and he was initiated March 4, 1795, being the first initiate in that Lodge, and the first in the Great Northwestern Territory, and was passed to Fellow Craft in April, and raised a Master Mason, July 22, 1795, his death occurring on the 54th anniversary of his admission to the order, aged 79 years, within four days. He became a member of Cincinnati Chapter, No.2, R. A. M. prior to 1812, of Cincinnati Council R. & S. M., and Cincinnati Encampment, No.3, K. T. in January, 1847. A sketch of his life and Masonic services will be found on pages 211 and 353, Vol.4, Masonic Review.

Grand Lodge convened at Masonic Hall, Cincinnati, Tuesday, October 15, A. D. 1850, M.·. W.·. M. Z. Kreider, Grand Master, in the Chair; 161 Lodges represented.

The Grand Master announces the death of Bro. Timothy Griffith, Grand Treasurer, and appointment of Bro. Leonidas Jewett, of No.25, to fill the vacancy; calls attention to the subjects of wilful absence from the Lodge meetings; advancement of candidates without proper examination in open Lodge; improper encouragement of persons to apply for membership; wearing of improper mourning badges at funerals, all of which he deprecates, and urges compliance with the established rules of the Order.

He reports Dispensations granted for ten new Lodges, as follows:

Nov. 23, 1849, Hanging Rock, Hanging Bock, Lawrence County
December 10, 1849, Union, Irville, Muskingum County
January 31, 1850, Yeatman, Harrison, Hamilton County
March 5, 1850, Springdale, Springdale, Hamilton County
April 24, 1850, Fielding, South Charleston, Clark County
July 13, 1850, Mystic, Uhrichsville, Tuscarawas County
July 19, 1850, Ohio, Bladensburg, Knox County
August 3, 1850, Blanchester, Blanchester, Clinton County
August 16, 1850, Monroe, Woodsfield, Monroe County
September 28, 1850, Rushville, Rushville, Fairfield County

The Deputy Grand Master reports granting the following Dispensations for new Lodges:

January 9, 1850, Star, Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County
January 18, 1850, Roscoe, Roscoe, Coshocton County
October 1, 1850, Salem, Columbiana County

March 5, 1850, to S. A. Wheeler and others to establish a Lodge in a mining district of California.

He also reports the facts and his conclusions as to the Charters issued to Medina Lodge, No.58, and finds the Charter issued in 1849 was only to Supply the original issued in 1843, which was lost.

The Grand Master reports Special sessions of the Grand Lodge, as follows:
June 24, 1850, at Miami Town to lay the corner stone of a Masonic Hall; June 27, at Springfield, to lay the corner stone of "Union Hall," to be used by Clark Lodge, No.101; July 24, at Lockbourne, Franklin County, to lay the corner stone of the Methodist Episcopal Church; September 1, at Columbus, on the occasion of the funeral of Bro. Thomas Griffith, late Grand Treasurer; and on September 26, at Lithopolis, Fairfield County, to dedicate the new Hall of Litho. polls Lodge, No.169, to Masonry.

He also calls attention to the purloining of the Charters of Carroll Lodge, No.124, and of Amity, No.132, thus arresting their labors, and says "No language can be employed too severe in regard to such conduct, etc."; to the "proper hours for work"; suspension for nonpayment of dues; traveling mendicants and impostors; omitting of closing ceremonies, the so-called adjourning the Lodge from time to time; the continued schism in the Grand Lodge of New York, and the acts of what he terms "certain Philistines in that Body;" all of which he declares opposed to and in violation of the Ancient Constitutions and Landmarks of our Order, and exhorts the Brethren of this Jurisdiction to join in a united effort to eradicate these crying evils, and restore Masonry to its former purity and high standing.

A donation of $150.00 from an English friend of Masonry, whose name was withheld, was presented to the Grand Lodge through Geo. Hoadly, Jr., as the donor's Agent, and accepted by a vote of thanks.

The Chairman of the Committee appointed last session to collect facts and incidents connected with the introduction, progress and history of Masonry in the State of Ohio, reported he had sent circulars to all the Lodges in the State requesting the assistance of all members in collecting information, facts, etc., but had met with little assistance or encouragement, and suggested the appointment of a Committee to push the work, and on motion, Brothers C. Moore and J. D. Caldwell of Cincinnati were appointed, and every Lodge and Brother urged to render them all the aid in their power.

The Committee appointed at last communication to procure and forward a block of marble for the Washington Monument reported that after consulting eminent geologists they had selected a very choice block of Dayton stone, four feet long, two feet high, and about fifteen inches bed, the size required by the Monument Association, had the same prepared by Brother D. Boles, and it was ready to be forwarded as soon as the rise in the Ohio will permit its transportation; an engraving of the face of the stone accompanied the report and is printed in both the original and reprint of the proceedings.

The Committee on the difficulties existing in the Grand Lodge of New York made a report covering seven pages, review the causes, claims of the different parties, etc., urging them to compromise and adjust their differences in true Masonic Spirit, offering the services of this Grand Lodge to that end, and stating that until the matter is amicably adjusted, this Grand Lodge could not recognize either organization.

The sudden death, (by cholera), of Bro. G. W. Canfield, Representative of Mt. Moriah Lodge, No.177, was announced, and appropriation made, and a Committee appointed to communicate with his family, at New Philadelphia, and ship his remains there; a Committee was appointed to prepare proper resolutions which were adopted, and Bro. Genl. L. V. Bierce, requested to deliver a proper eulogy, which was done, and is printed in the proceedings, pages 117-121.

Among the visitors at this Communication was Bro. Colonel John Johnston, a member of McMillan Lodge, No.141, of Cincinnati, now the oldest Mason in Ohio, or the west, having been initiated in a Lodge at what was then called Bourbon Court House, but what is now Paris in Bourbon County, Kentucky, a few weeks earlier, in 1795, than Brother Griffin Yeatman, in N. C. Harmony Lodge, No.2. He was introduced by Bro. S. Reed, welcomed by the Grand Master, invited and took a seat in the east. Col. Johnston highly appreciated the courtesy, and addressed a letter of thanks to the Grand Lodge, in which among other he said, "Brethren, the frosts of seventy-six winters are on my head, fifty-five of those have passed away since I became a Freemason. My Masonic paternity belongs to the great Commonwealth of Virginia jurisdiction; and was therefore contemporary in the craft with the great and good Washington, having had the honor also of participating, in person, at his funeral ceremonies."

A Committee was appointed to ascertain the place of interment of the late Thomas Smith Webb, and the consent for the removal of his remains to Masonic grounds of Green Lawn Cemetery, near City of Columbus, and for the erection of a suitable monument to his memory.

Early in the session the Grand Tyler preferred against one of the Representatives to the Grand Lodge, charging him having visited clandestine Lodges of colored persons, which was referred to Committee on Jurisprudence, who reported that the visiting of a clandestine or illegal Lodge by a member of a regular Lodge, is an offense against Masonic laws, and while such charge exists it is incumbent on the person so charged to purge himself thereof before being admitted to a seat in the Grand Lodge; and the Subordinate Lodge of which he is a member should investigate, and if proven, administer discipline, etc., and presented as a part of their report the following resolutions, which with the report, was adopted:

"Resolved, That Lodges in Ohio, (if any there be), claiming to be Masonic Lodges, and not working under authority of this Grand Lodge, are clandestine," which again declared all African Lodges, so-called and pretended, to be clearly clandestine.

This representative did not take part in the deliberations of the Grand Lodge, and the matter was dropped.

The Grand Secretary was authorized to purchase 300 copies of the Reprint of the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, for its use, and $300.00 was appropriated for that purpose.

Decided that it is improper for an individual Mason to examine a traveling Brother to vouch for him without being appointed by the W. M., and such vouching can not be accepted, and no Brother can vouch for another unless he has previously sat in a Lodge with such Brother.

Charters were granted to the following Lodges:
Union, No.184; Perry, No.185; Cambridge assigned No.66; Washington assigned No.100; Star, No.187; Springdale, No.186; Monroe, No.189; Roscoe, No.190; Blanchester, No.191; Mystic Tie, No.194; Yeatman, No.193; Fielding, No.192; Tn-en-da-wie, No.195, Bainbridge, No.196; Kreider, No.197; Hanging Rock, No.198; Center Star (Granville) assigned No.11. A new Charter was issued to Amity, No.132. Superior was allowed to hold meetings alternately at West Unity and Bryan.

On recommendation of Committee on Charters and Dispensations, Dispensations were granted to the allowing new Lodges: Friendship, at Etna, Licking County; Venice, Butler County; Sarahsville, Morgan County; Bellefontaine, Logan County; the Dispensation of Rushville was continued to next communication.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence report, covering 20 pages (46-68). Reviews the proceedings of 27 Grand Jurisdictions in a very interesting and instructive manner. Our limited space only permits condensed sketch of the most important matters.

Congratulations and the right hand of fellowship extended to the Grand Lodge of California organized at Sacramento, April 17, A. L. 5850, and our Committee say "Our Brethren of the new El Dorado, while searching for the gold of the earth, have not forgotten the golden principles of Masonry."

The so called "Willard," "Phillips" and "St. Johns" Grand Lodges of New York, receive their share of attention from the various Grand Lodges which, while deprecating the differences, and urging a fraternal adjustment of the matters in dispute, do not all agree as to the proper claimant for recognition, the majority favoring the Willard.

The "Supreme Grand Lodge" is also a much discussed affair, pro and con by the several Grand Lodges with a great diversity of opinion as to its utility, but sixteen of the Grand Lodge having failed to ratify the proposed Constitution, its formation on the plan failed. A number of Grand Lodges while seemingly approving the formation of a Supreme Lodge, opposed the Constitution and Laws adopted by the Baltimore Convention, of 1847, and its ratification. Among these was Georgia, which in 1790 was the first to advocate the formation of a "General Grand Lodge."

Perhaps no other proposition has been the subject of so much interest, discussion and contention and among the Grand Lodges of the United States, and your Committee will endeavor in this volume of the History to give a sketch of the various Conventions held and proceedings had in the furtherance of that object. The Chairman of this Committee has a full set of the original proceedings of every Convention held for that purpose.

The Committee on republishing the Proceedings of this Grand Lodge reported in favor of the same, and a proposition from Bro. Charles Scott to republish the same if the Grand Lodge would sanction it subscribe for 100 copies, and appoint a Committee to revise and superintend the same; which report was approved, the Committee appointed, and $300.00 appropriated.

The 5th Rule of the By-Laws was amended, as follows:
"Previous to advancements, all candidates shall be examined in open Lodge in the degree which they have taken, and be found to possess at least a knowledge of that degree."

William B. Hubbard, of Columbus, was elected and installed as M.·. W.·. Grand Master.

Cleveland selected as next place of meeting, on the fourth Thursday of October, A. L. 5851.

The following statistics will be of interest:
Chartered Lodges under our Jurisdiction 166
Lodges under Dispensation 5
Lodges represented at this session 161
Members in attendance 293
Initiated during the year 1415
Contributing Members reported 6148
Reinstated 29
Deaths reported 90

Grand Lodge convened at Kelly's Hall, Cleveland, Thursday, October 23, A. D. 1851, 166 Chartered Lodges and 9 under Dispensation represented.

The Grand Master reports Dispensations issued for 11 new Lodges, as follows:
Mt. Gilead, at Mt. Gilead; Richland, at Plymouth; Charity, at Lima; Hope, at Delphos; Charity, at Sharonville; Fayetteville, at Fayetteville, Brown County; Delta, at McArthur; Port Washington, at Port Washington; Collins, at Bryan; Hubbard, at Adamsville; St. John's, at Cincinnati. No dates are given of these Dispensations.

The Deputy Grand Master reports one Dispensation issued for St. John's, at Twinsburg, Summit County.

The Grand Master reports the receipt from St. Paul's Lodge, St. Paul, Minn. U. D., of the sum of $100.00 on dues, to this Grand Lodge.

He reports that he has only exercised the high prerogative of "making a Mason at sight" with great care, and only after receiving the consent of the Lodge which had jurisdiction of the applicants, and required the degrees to be conferred in a regular Lodge, but does not give the names of the persons on whom he conferred the honor.

He eloquently calls the attention of the Brethren to their duties as Masons, his remarks on this subject covering nearly four pages, and are commended to the careful perusal of every member of this Jurisdiction.

Hebardsville Lodge, No.156, was authorized to move to Albany, Athens County, and the name of the Lodge was changed to Albany. Rev. Salem Town, of New York, a distinguished Mason and author, was introduced by Bro. Hosmer, welcomed by the Grand Master, and invited to a seat in the east.

The Grand Secretary was ordered to make and deliver to Union Lodge, No.71, of Ripley, a facsimile, as near as may be, of the original charter granted in 1840 to supply one lost in fire.

Ordered that hereafter the name of any Chartered Lodge shall not be given to any other Lodge.

The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence reported that the practice of admitting the Representatives or Delegates from Lodges under Dispensations to seats and active participation in the business of the Grand Lodge as soon as their charters were granted, and paying them mileage and per diem, is contrary to the Constitution and Laws of this Grand Lodge, and masonic usage, both ancient and modern, and that hereafter this practice should be discontinued, which was adopted.

The committee to procure and forward the block for the Washington monument reported same had been forwarded, and accepted; that Lodge was the first masonic body in the United States to proffer its tribute, but others have followed its example. The freight on the block marble was $17.11. The Committee on Grand Lodge History reported progress and was continued.

Chillicothe was chosen to hold next session, on third Tuesday of October, 1852. Committee appointed to examine the proceedings of past three years, and report if any resolutions were adopted which conflict with the Constitution and Laws, or with each other.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence report covering 10 pages (22 to 32, and specials on 76 and 84), is an able document. The committee does not review each jurisdiction separately, but gives a summary, covering the subjects of general interest. Among others New York and its troubles comes in for its share of criticism for its failure to fraternally arbitrate and settle their differences; its arrogant and dictatorial spirit toward this and other Grand Jurisdictions; its unwarranted attack on our Grand Secretary; its action in recognizing the Lodges forming the St. John's Grand Lodge, which it had for over thirteen years declared clandestine, to be now regular without explaining why or requiring any healing or formal submission, and several like acts of omission and commission; and our Committee reported in favor of recognizing the "Willard" as the regular Grand Lodge; which recommendation was approved. Attention is also called to the difficulty in Louisiana where several subordinate Lodges claiming to derive their authority from a clandestine body which styles itself the "Supreme Grand Council of the 33d degree of the Scottish Rite," but the Grand Lodge disregarded the pretended authority of this alleged "Supreme Council" and declared said subordinate Lodges clandestine and interdicted all intercourse with their members, which action is approved by our committee, and Grand Lodge, which adopted this resolution.

"Resolved, That in the opinion of this Grand Lodge, the Grand Lodge of Louisiana has adopted the only proper course to maintain her authority, by excluding from the privileges of the Order, those Lodges within her jurisdiction, that assume to derive their charters from an unauthorized and spurious body." We will see, as this history progresses, that our own Grand Lodge, years afterward, and under like circumstances took the same firm stand for the preservation of the ancient constitutions, landmarks, and recognized usages, holding sacred occupied territory, and the jurisdiction and prerogatives of organized Grand Lodges, and received the universal commendation and support of all legitimate masonic bodies.

Brother W. B. Hubbard was re-elected Grand Master.

Charters were issued to the following Lodges:
Ohio, No.199; Venice, No.200; Richland, No.201; Port Washington, No.202; Fayetteville, No.203; Sharonville, No.204; Lima (Charity), No.205; Mt Gilead, No.206; Delta, No.207; Hanselmann (St. Johns) No.208; Bellefontaine, No.209; Olive, No.210; Rushville, No.211; Etna (Friendship) No.212; Summit (St. Johns) No.213; Hope, No.214; Collins, No.215.

The following Dispensations were continued: Hubbard, Muskingum County, St. Paul, Minn.
A Dispensation was granted for a Lodge at Lena, Miami County.

The Grand Master's Decisions covering nearly ten pages, are printed as an appendix in the proceedings.

The first is that all so-called Negro (Masonic) Lodges in Ohio are clandestine.

Grand Lodge convened at Atheneum Hall, Chillicothe, Ohio, October 19, 1852, 157 Lodges represented, 406 votes.

The Grand Master in his address announces the death of the venerable John Snow, of Worthington, one of the early Grand Masters of this State, who did so much for the advancement of the cause of Masonry in the days of its infancy when it needed strong hearts and willing hands to fight its battles.

He also calls attention to the death of that illustrious statesman and earnest Mason, Hon. Henry Clay, of Kentucky, and pays proper tribute to his memory.

He refers to the fact that the Grand Lodge is now assembled at its birthplace, and the early capital of Ohio; gives an interesting account of the formation of the Grand Lodge; its early Officers, and members, its labors, trials, and final success, illustrating with the statement that at its formation the Grand Lodge comprised five subordinates and about one hundred and forty members, while at this time there is on the roster over two hundred subordinates with a membership of over twenty-five thousand.

He reports Dispensations issued for ten new Lodges, as follows: Findlay, at Findlay; Hubbard, at West Jefferson; Van Wert, at Van Wert; Mt. Pleasant, at Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson County; Mt. Olivet, Champaign County; Hamer, New Boston; Cadiz, at Cadiz; Fort Stephenson at Fremont; Plainfield, at Plainfield; New Birmingham, at New Birmingham.

The R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master reports Dispensations issued for three new Lodges, as follows: Evergreen, at Conneaut; Iris, at Cleveland; and Mahoning, at Youngstown.

A copy of the "Mystic Circle" was presented by the author, Bro. G. H. Gray, of Clinton, Miss., which was accepted with thanks and a Committee appointed to report on its merits, which highly approved the objects of the author, but from the hurried examination did not recommend the Grand Lodge to officially endorse it.

Ordered that the decisions of the Grand Master as published in last year's proceedings, including those as rendered since, be published in this year's proceedings, which was done, covering 25 pages. The Grand Master reports that Bro. K. H. Van Rensselaer was employed by him to collate and arrange these decisions.

The place of holding the meetings of Union Lodge, No.184, was changed from Irville, Muskingum County, to Nashport, in the same county; and that of Hanging Rock Lodge, No.198, changed to Ironton, Lawrence County, and its name changed to Lawrence Lodge, No.198; and the name of King Solomon's Lodge in Perfection, No. 83, changed to Akron Lodge, No.83.

The matter of abolishing the office of Grand Lecturer was taken up, and it appearing that a large number of Lodges had failed to report; ordered that each Lodge be required and notified to send up its vote for or against the proposition.

Resolved, that Western Star Lodge, No.21, at Canfield, hereafter hold its meetings in Youngstown, and the petitioners for the new Lodge at Youngstown have leave to withdraw their petition and fee if this change is made. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence was granted leave to present their report at the next annual communication. The Grand Master reported the expense of finishing the stone deposited by the Grand Lodge in the Washington Monument, $10.00 and the same was ordered paid.

Thursday, October 21, Grand Lodge met, formed procession and marched to the Methodist Episcopal Church where Grand Master, W. B. Hubbard, publicly presented a Past Master's Jewel to Brother B. F. Smith, who had served as Grand Secretary since 1846. Said Jewel was awarded him by the Grand Lodge as a partial recognition of his long service. By unanimous request of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Orator being absent, the Grand Master delivered an appropriate Masonic Address, and after the close of the services the Grand Lodge returned to its Hall and resumed labor.

On recommendation of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations, Charters were granted to the following Lodges: Evergreen, at Conneaut; Hamer, at Boston; Van Wert, at Van Wert; Fort Stephenson, at Fremont; Plainfield, at Jacobsport; Cadiz, to be called Harrison, at Cadiz; Madison, at West Jefferson; Mt. Pleasant, at Mt. Pleasant; Mt. Olivet, at Addison; Hubbard, at Adamsville; Social, at Lena; St. Paul, at St. Paul, Minn., on payment of dues; Findlay, at Findlay, on payment of dues; and the Grand Master was authorized to grant a Charter to Iris Lodge, U. D. after inspection and approval by him.

The Committee on Grand Lodge History made a report, and was continued with request to pursue their inquiries.

W. B. Hubbard was reelected and installed as M.·. W.·. Grand Master, and Chillicothe selected as the place to hold the communication, Tuesday, October 15, A. D. 1853.

Bro. B. F. Smith, Grand Secretary, declined a reelection, and Bro. John D. Caldwell was elected and installed.

Bro. Thomas Scott, was introduced as one of the oldest Masons in Ohio and provided with a seat in east as a visitor.

The Officers and Members of Scioto Lodge, No.6, submitted a proposition to furnish the Grand Lodge rooms sufficient for the annual meetings of the Grand Lodge and other Masonic Bodies, also sufficient Committee and Library rooms, and a fire-proof vault to preserve the archives of the Grand Bodies, for their exclusive use so long as they may choose to use them, which was ordered spread upon the minutes.

Confusion having arisen from the practice of allowing different subordinate Lodges to choose the same name, a Committee was appointed to examine the numbers and names of all subordinate Lodges with instructions to cause all the names of such Lodges but one to be changed, and to report the name and location of each Lodge in the State.

Grand Lodge convened at the Masonic Temple in Chillicothe, Tuesday, October 18, A. D. 1853, M.·. W.·. W. B. Hubbard, Grand Master, in the Chair, 199 Lodges represented.

The Grand Master in his address called attention to the death of R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master A. D. Bigelow, at New Orleans, of yellow fever.

Reports he had received from St. Paul's Lodge the $32.00 arrearage dues, leaving a balance of $4.00 still owing. That the Grand Lodge of the Territory of Minnesota had been organized and should receive the right hand of fellowship, which the Grand Lodge approved and extended a fraternal welcome to the Grand Lodge of Minnesota.

Dispensations were granted by the Grand Master for the following ten new Lodges:
Nov. 18, Lockbourne, at Lockbourne
Nov. 29, Eureka, at Washington
December 7, Evergreen, at Steubenville
January 24, Winchester, at Winchester
January 31, Rubicon, at Toledo
March 22, Chester, at Chesterville
March 25, Erie, at Milan
May 4, Groveport, at Groveport
May 28, Celina, at Celina, Mercer County
July 16, Bellpoint, at Bellpoint.

He reports a number of visitations among which on June 3d to Scioto Lodge, No.6, when he presided at the laying of the corner stone of a new Hall. On each of these occasions he lectured the Brethren on subjects relating to the Order, and the administration of the affairs of the subordinate Lodges.

His visit to Springfield was occasioned by information that some of its officers were conferring certain side degrees upon the wives and daughters of Masons, but on investigation found the pretended had been conferred by an itinerant member of the Order immediately after a public Masonic meeting. Grand Master emphasized his disapproval proceeding, ordered charges to be preferred the Brother so acting, and called attention to opinions and decisions submitted with his report. The matter was referred to the Jurisprudence Committee reported that the conferring of such degrees is a modern practice unknown to ancient craft Masonry, the conferring of them as Masonry is an imposition the Ladies as well as upon the Craft, and that any brother conferring them is a proper subject for Masonic discipline; which was approved by "a large vote."

Considerable space is devoted to a statement of the misunderstanding and difficulty between Magnolia Lodge, No.20, and Columbus Lodge, No.30, which resulted in the Grand Lodge withdrawing from Magnolia its Charter and Jewels, and suspending work. This matter was before the Grand Lodge at several of its daily sessions, and resulted in animated discussions and was finally referred to a Committee to investigate and report to the Grand Master for adjustment.

The Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad Company requested the Grand Lodge to lay the corner stone of its new depot in Chillicothe now ready to be commenced, which request was granted, and on the afternoon of Thursday, October 20, Grand Master W. B. Hubbard, assisted by the Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge, in the presence of a vast concourse of spectators, laid and placed the corner stone of this new edifice in due and ancient form.

At the close of the ceremonies the Fraternity accepted the invitation of the Railroad Company and enjoyed a pleasant ride over a portion of the road.

William Dennison, Jr., of Columbus, presented a communication suggesting that for the purpose of securing the regular meetings of the Grand Lodge at that place, a donation of ten thousand dollars to purchase the necessary grounds, and erect suitable buildings, etc., could be readily obtained ; which was referred to a Committee to report to next annual Grand Communication.

Grand Lodge ordered that with the proceedings of this Grand Lodge at its present session there he printed the Constitution and By-Laws, the most approved Ancient Book of Constitutions, the Decisions of the present M.·. W.·. Grand Master, Rules and Regulations and all Resolutions in force of the Grand Lodge, all of which was done, furnishing to the Craft a fund of valuable information that should be carefully studied by every member of the Order at the present day.

The Committee to prepare a suitable memorial on the life, character, and masonic services of Past Grand Master John Snow, deceased, of Worthington, Ohio, presented a carefully prepared and eloquent testimonial covering four pages, which was ordered printed in the proceedings.

Brother Snow was born at Providence, R. I., February 25, A. D. 1780; was initiated into Freemasonry in Mount Vernon Lodge, Providence, February 14, A. D. 1809; served as Master of this Lodge until 1817 when he moved to Worthington, Ohio. The first record of his appearance there is on the minutes of a special meeting of New England Lodge, No. 4, September 29, A. D. 1817, where he appears as a visiting Brother. On October 17, A. D. 1818, he was elected Master of New England Lodge and served as Master until 1823. Was again elected Master of the Lodge in 1827, after he retired from the office of Grand Master of Ohio, and served until 1832 when he positively declined further election. He was elected and installed Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, F. & A. M., in 1819 and served until 1824 when he declined further election. He served as High Priest of Horeb Chapter, No.3, R. A. M., from 1818 to 1822, and 1827 to 1832, and as Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio, R. A. M., for the years 1818 and 1819. On March 15, A. D. 1818 under and by virtue of a dispensation from M.·. W.·. Thomas Smith Webb, Deputy General Grand Master of the General Grand Encampment Knights Templars of the United States, with the assistance of Sir Thomas Smith Webb, hailing from the General Grand Encampment of the United States, and the Grand Encampment of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and Sir Fredrick A. Curtis hailing from Encampment, Ireland, he organized and instituted at Worthington, Ohio, Mt. Vernon Encampment No.1, Knights Templars, and appendant orders, the first Encampment of Christian Knighthood instituted northwest of the Ohio River, in the Great Northwestern Territory. The Charter for this Encampment was issued by the General Grand Encampment at its next session, January 27, A. D. 1820. Sir John Snow was elected the first Grand Commander, and served until 1830, when he declined further reelection. At the formation of the General Grand Encampment of Knights Templars of the United States at New York City, June 20 and 21, A. D. 1816, Sir John Snow, then a member of St. John's Encampment, Providence, R. I., was elected M.·. E.·. General Grand Standard Bearer. At the next assembly held at New York City, September 16, A. D. 1819, he was elected M.·. E.·. General Grand Generalissimo, he then hailing from Mt. Vernon Encampment at Worthington, Ohio; and he was present, in that capacity, at the next assembly held at New York City, September 18, 1826.

Sir John Snow and Thomas Smith Webb, author of Webb's Monitor, and one of the most accomplished and active Masons of his day, were warning personal friends, business associates and earnest coworkers in the cause of Freemasonry. They were engaged in business at Worthington from 1817 to the death of Webb, and the writer of this history has in his possession a paper in the handwriting of Webb relating to their business. Webb went to Boston in August, 1818, to attend to some matters connected with their business venture at Worthington, and was on his return trip when he was taken suddenly ill and died at Cleveland, July 6, A. D. 1819.

Brother John Snow died May 16, A. D. 1852, aged 72 years, and his remains were deposited in Mother Earth at Worthington, and a plain obelisk of white marble appropriately marks his last resting place in the village cemetery.

The Grand Lodge heretofore frequently allowed the charter members to select names for the Lodges without reference to the fact that the name had been assigned to other chartered Lodges, resulting in much confusion; and at the last communication a Committee was appointed to correct this so that no two Lodges should retain the same name. This Committee reported it had performed the duty assigned to it as follows:

Amity, No.132, at Jackson, changed to Trowel
Clinton, No.113, at Mechanicsburg, changed to Mechanicsburg
Friendship, No.103, Dresden, changed to Dresden
Hiram, No.88, at West Alexandria, changed to King Hiram
Jefferson, No.182, Smithfield, changed to Smithfield
Lafayette No.175, New Comerstown, changed to Lone Star
Marion, No.120, Mt. Healthy, changed to Mc Makin
Malta, No.145, Malta, changed to Valley
Mt. Moriah, No.177, New Philadelphia, changed to New Philadelphia
Union, No.102, Felicity, changed to Felicity
Union, No.127, Wellington, changed to Wellington
Union, No.184, Irville, changed to Irville.
Washington, No.100, New Carlisle, changed to New Carlisle
Washington, No.107, Washington, changed to Fayette
Washington, No.108, West Bedford, changed to Wakatomica.
Washington, No.122, Moscow, changed to Moscow
Yeatman, No.193, Harrison changed to Harrison, and at this session of Grand Lodge changed to Snow.

The Committee further report that Lafayette, No.79 of Zanesville, and Lafayette, No.81 of Cincinnati both insist on retaining the present name, and refer the matter with the correspondence to the Grand Lodge. They attach to their report a complete corrected list of the 229 Lodges comprising the Grand Lodge at this time.

Warrenton Lodge, No.114 gave notice to the Grand Lodge that it had ceased to work, and a Committee was appointed to demand and receive the Jewels and property of the Lodge, and the Lodge was stricken from the roll of Lodges.

Only sixty Lodges having returned their vote on the proposition to abolish the office of Grand Lecturer, ordered that the Grand Secretary issue and send to every Lodge a Circular requiring them to send in their vote on this subject at least 30 days before the next annual communication.
On recommendation of the Committee on Dispensations and Charters, Charters were granted to the following Lodges U. D.:

New Birmingham, No.231, located at New Birmingham; Lockbourne, No.232, located at Lockbourne; Eureka, No.233, located at Washington; Evergreen, No.234, located at Steubenville; Brown, No.235, located at Minerva; Winchester, No.236, located at Winchester; Rubicon, No.237, located at Toledo; Chester, No.238, located at Chesterville; Erie, No.239, located at Milan; Groveport, No.240, located at Groveport; Celina, No.241, located at Celina; Bellpoint, No.242, located at Bellpoint.

Also a Dispensation was granted for a new Lodge at Ohio City to be named Bigelow, and a duplicate Charter ordered issued to Plainfield Lodge, No.224, in lieu of the one destroyed by fire.

The members of the Mansfield Lodge, No.35, and Venus Lodge, No.152, presented a proposition and request to consolidate the two Lodges, provided the Grand Lodge would authorize the members of Venus Lodge to become members of Mansfield by merely signing the By-Laws without a ballot by Mansfield Lodge, which was referred to a Committee on Jurisprudence who reported, "That it is inexpedient for this Grand Lodge to make members for subordinate Lodges in any manner not known to the ancient laws of our Institution, and that said Lodges have leave to withdraw their papers, which was concurred in by the Grand Lodge.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence submits its report covering twelve pages containing many matters of interest to the Masonic student, well worth careful perusal and study.

Among other items of interest the Committee call attention to the organization of the Grand Lodges of Oregon, California and Minnesota, welcoming them to the fold of Grand Lodges, and say, "Thus it will be seen there has lately been born to us three young sisters who bid fair to vie with us in wisdom, strength and beauty. The Masonic Arch now spans our Country; its canopy extends from ocean to ocean."

Attention is called to the new troubles in the Grand Lodge of New York, in the revival of the St. John's Grand Lodge, but the discussion is too lengthy for insertion here. The Committee might have added the difficulty between the Grand Lodge of New York and the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, which has been brewing since 1851, and resulted in the establishment of Lodges in New York by the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, and the attempts of recognition of colored Lodges in New York. The Masonic student desiring to investigate these matters is referred to the reports of Foreign Correspondence, and the third volume of McClenachan's History of Freemasonry in New York. The Committee transcribe from the able report of the Committee on F. C. of Maine an important discussion of "The relations of Freemasonry to the moral and religions element in man, and its affinity for the religions of the world," covering four pages, too lengthy for insertion here; also from Georgia on the "Power of the Grand Master of a Grand Lodge, and of the Grand Lodge," covering two pages, citing numerous ancient authorities proving that outside and in addition to authority of the Constitutions, the Grand Master has the inherent right to initiate and make Masons, fully answering the captious objections of those who found fault with our Grand Master exercising that right under the authority of our Constitution.

Grand Lodge convened at Mason's Hall, Chillicothe, Tuesday, October 17, A. D. 1854, M.·. W.·. Lucius V. Bierce, Grand Master, in the Chair, 138 Lodges represented, 467 votes.

The M.·. W.·. Grand Master announced the severe and dangerous illness of Past Grand Master M. Z. Kreider, and his request to be remembered at their devotions, whereupon the members of the Grand Lodge assembled around the Altar, at which Rev. Jos. A. Roof, Grand Chaplain, invoked the Divine blessing upon the deliberations and upon the absent and afflicted Past Grand Master.

The Grand Master in his address congratulates the Grand Lodge on the manifest prosperity of the Order, citing its success in Turkey and China, and the fact that during the past year twenty new Lodges have been organized in England, and seventeen in Ohio, with similar activity in other localities.

He calls attention to the evil of members dimitting and continuing to visit and enjoy the benefits of Masonry without contribution to its support, and which he declares is in violation of the Constitutions and principles of the Order; and he issued an order to each Lodge in the State commanding them to summon every Master Mason residing in their jurisdiction and not a contributing member of some regular Lodge to show cause why he neglected to do so, and in default to suspend them from all the rights and privileges of Masonry, which resulted in large numbers affiliating and becoming active members and workers among the craft. He issued this order on his own responsibility, but cites that he is sustained by the Grand Lodges of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, California, Indiana, Florida, South Carolina and others, although he says his order has been criticized, and looked upon by some as an innovation on the ancient landmarks of Masonry.

During the past year Dispensations were granted for new Lodges by the Grand Master, as follows:

Nov. 21, 1853, Monticello, located at Clyde
December 3, 1853, Garrettsville, located at Garrettsville
December 3, 1853, Golden Gate, located at Chagrin Falls
December 5, 1853, Cascade, located at Middlebury
December 29, East Liberty, located at East Liberty
January 15, 1854, Fulton, located at Delta
February 14, 1854, Neville, located at Neville
January 26, 1854, Napoleon, located at Napoleon
March 3, 1854, Newton, located at Newton
March 4, 1854, New Lexington, located at New Lexington
May 8, 1854, Germantown, located at Germantown
May 24, 1854, Union, located at Morristown
June 21, 1854, Western Reserve, located at Warren
July 10, 1854, Warsaw, located at Warsaw
July 12, 1854, Reullura, located at Nashville
August 8, 1854, Webb located at Stockport
September 12, 1854, New Lisbon, located at New Lisbon

The following Dispensations were issued by the Deputy Grand Master: to Hoffner, Amelia, and Buford.

The Grand Treasurer's Report shows a balance of $6,818.80 in his hands.

The select Committee to which was referred the complaint of Bro. Platt Benedict against the proceedings of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No.64, in relation to a belief in the truths recorded in the Holy Scriptures, reported the following resolution, which was adopted:

"Your Committee believe that the truth of the Bible is an essential article in the creed of Masonry, and that he is not sound in the faith who questions the authenticity of that book of books."

"Resolved, That Masonry as we have received it from the fathers, teaches the Divine authenticity of the Holy Scriptures; and that the views of candidates on this subject should be ascertained by the Committee of Enquiry, or otherwise, as well as their other qualifications and fitness to be received into the Order."

This action is in strict accord with that of the Grand Lodge at its sessions of 1820 and 1824, and the reasons therefor are fully set out in the able report of this Committee covering two pages.

The name and number of Western Reserve Lodge was changed to Old Erie, and it was assigned No.3, being the name and number of the extinct Erie Lodge.

The Committee appointed at the last annual session to cause a suitable inscription and appropriate emblems to be engraved upon the obelisk erected to the memory of our late Past Grand Master John Snow, reported it had performed that duty. The devices consist of a star indicative of the standing of Brother Snow in an Encampment of Knights Templars, in the center of which is an exact copy of the Jewel worn by Brother Snow while presiding in this Grand Lodge, and also appropriate emblems of the symbolic degrees and the orders of Christian Knighthood.

The inscription is in the words following:

"The Grand Lodge of Ohio, inscribes this Testimonial of Fraternal regard to the memory of an early and eminently distinguished Grand Master, John Snow, who died May 16, 1852, in the 73d year of his age."

A loan of $4,000.00 was made to the Chillicothe Masonic Building Association to be secured by Mortgage on Lot No.48, with the Masonic Building thereon.

N. C. Harmony Lodge, No.2, requested the Grand Lodge to amend its By-Laws so that a Master Mason presenting to a Lodge a dimit from a regular Lodge shall have his name enrolled as a member without being subjected to a ballot; but the Jurisprudence Committee reported, "That it is inexpedient to amend the By-Laws as suggested," which report was adopted.

On recommendation of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations, Charters were granted to the following Lodges:

Bigelow, No.243, Cleveland
Monticello, No.244, Clyde, Sandusky County
Golden Gate, No.245, Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga County
Garrettsville, No.246, Garrettsville, Portage County
East Liberty, No.247, East Liberty, Logan County
Fulton, No.248, Delta, Fulton County
Newton, No.249, Newton, Union County
New Lexington, No.250, Perry County
Hazen (changed from Union) No.251, Morristown, Belmont County
Webb, No.252, Stock-port, Belmont, County
Cumminsville, No.253, Cumminsville, Hamilton County
Buford, No.254, Buford, Highland County
Western at Warren, Trumbull County, the name being changed to "Old Erie," and given the vacant No.3.

The name of Evergreen Lodge at Steubenville was changed to "Meridian" and that of Bellpoint Lodge to "Equality."

Dispensations were granted for new Lodges, as follows: Floral, at Fitchville, Huron County; North Fairfield, Huron County; Emery, at Loveland, Clermont County; Mineral, at Hamden, Vinton County; and the Dispensations to New Lisbon, and Germantown were continued to the next convocation.

New Charters were granted to Chandler, No.138, and Wellsville, No.180 in lieu of those destroyed by fire, and a new Charter was ordered issued to Ohio Lodge in lieu of the old mutilated one, on payment of the fee therefor.

The Grand Secretary was authorized to endorse on the Charter of any Lodge whose name had been changed by the Grand Lodge the name by which the Lodge is now known or recognized on the records of the Grand Lodge.

The annual Grand Dues from Subordinate Lodges were reduced from fifty to twenty-five cents.

W. B. Dodds was elected Grand Master, and the next communication on of the Grand Lodge was fixed at Mansfield, October 23, A. D. 1855.

Jerusalem Lodge, No.19, was authorized to resume work under its old Charter and the location was changed from Vernon to Hartford.

Grand Lodge convened in Melodeon Hall, Mansfield, Ohio, October 23, A. D. 1855, M.·. W.·. W. B. Dodds, Grand Master, in the Chair, 135 Lodges represented, 455 votes.

The Grand Master in his address calls attention to the death of Past Grand Master Henry Brush, which occurred at his residence near London, Madison County, January 19, 1855, in the seventy-eighth year of his age; and that of Past Grand Master M. Kreider at his residence in Lancaster, July 20, 1855, in the fifty-second year of his age, and also to that of Brother James D. Caldwell. Committees were appointed to report suitable memorials to these departed Brothers, and their reports and memorials to Fast Grand Masters H. Brush and M. Z. Kreider, will he found on pages 218 and 247 of the original proceedings, and 426 and 447 of the reprint; the report on James D. Caldwell being continued to the next session.

The Grand Master reports he granted eleven Dispensations for new Lodges, as follows:

Carroll, at Carroll, Fairfield County
Salem, at Clarington, Monroe County
Paddy's Run, at New London, Butler County
Morrow, at Morrow, Warren County
Meridian Sun, at Richfield, Summit County
Bellaire, at Bellaire, Belmont County
Blazing Star, at North Lewisburg, Champaign County
Allen, Columbiana, Columbiana County
Mt. Sterling, at Mt. Sterling, Madison County
Union City, at Union City, Darke County
Alliance, at Alliance, Stark County

He comments at length on the diversity that exists in the work and Lectures of the Degrees in various Lodges, even where different Lodges meet in the same hall, and says: "Even there, wide and radical differences exist; so much, indeed, that one would suppose that the curse of Babel had fallen on them or that they, like the Jews and the Samaritaus, had no dealings one with the other. That many expedients have been adopted and tried, including that of a Grand Lecturer, but all signally failed; and recommends dividing the State into Districts, and appointing a District Lecturer for each, the Grand Lodge to adopt and legalize one, and only one mode of work, and require every Lodge to conform thereto and have the District Lecturer enforce the requirement.

This recommendation or suggestion was referred to a special Committee which later in the session submitted a report approving the same, which after discussion was laid on the table and ordered to be printed in the proceedings, and will be found on pages 238, 239 original proceedings, and 440, 441 reprint.

This was the first suggestion and action leading to the Division of the State into Districts, and the appointment of District Lecturers.

The Grand Master also recommends the amendment of the Grand Lodge Constitution so as to require the consent of all Lodges whose jurisdiction is by granting a Dispensation for a new Lodge, and also call attention to the fact that some Lodges provided proper and safe halls in which to conduct business, and requests the Grand Lodge and stringent laws and rules on that subject.

R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master, B. F. Smith, at on April 25 he dedicated the new Masonic Hall erected by Hanover Lodge, No.115, at Loudonville and he had issued the following Dispensations for new Lodges:

January 3, Bellevue Lodge, at Bellevue, Huron County
March 23, Orphans Friend Lodge, at Wilkesville, County
June 22, Village Lodge, at Burton, Geauga County
August 9, Arcana Lodge, at Crestline, Crawford County

Making four Dispensations issued by him; and had refused to issue Dispensations for Lodges at Thornville, Perry County; and Shelby, Richland County.

Grand Master calls attention to the fact that the 15th Rule of the Grand Lodge was amended in 1847, but by oversight the amendment was not inserted in the last edition of the Constitution. This amendment provides that "No candidate shall be received in any Lodge but the one nearest his residence," except by a vote of said nearest Lodge, or in a city or town where any Lodge therein may receive any resident of said city or town.

Bro. C. Moore offered a resolution to rescind the resolution by which the report on pages 59, 60 and 61 (original proceedings 305, 306 reprint) of proceedings of 1853, as to certain decisions of the Grand Master being the law of this jurisdiction, etc., which was referred to jurisprudence Committee, reported back, laid on the table, and afterwards taken up and adopted (pages 206-246, proceedings 1855, reprint 446).

The Committee on Jurisprudence reported that the term "Past Master" as used in Article XII of the Constitution, properly applies to all who have received that degree in a legal manner, whether conferred under authority of a Royal Arch Chapter, or by a convocation of Past Masters.

2. That it is highly inexpedient for the Grand Lodge to grant a Charter to a new Lodge before it proves its workmanship under a Dispensation, both of which were adopted.

The same Committee also submitted a lengthy report fixing the status of members of a Lodge who petition for a new Lodge; that their membership for the payment of dues, etc., remains in the old Lodge until the new is constituted, which is still the recognized rule.

Section XVIII of the By-Laws was amended increasing the per diem of the Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge from $1.50 to $2.00 per day.

The Uniform Code of By-Laws for Subordinate Lodges as amended, was adopted, and is printed in the Appendix of the Proceedings.

The Charter of Hamer Lodge, No.142 was declared forfeited.

The Grand Master was authorized to employ a Olerk to assist him, at a salary of $200.00 per year, and the Grand Master and Grand Secretary were authorized to secure a safe and suitable room for the storage of the archives and property of the Grand Lodge, at not to exceed $50.00 per year.

An amendment to the Article XII of Grand Lodge Constitution requiring the consent of all Lodges whose jurisdiction would be affected to consent before a Dispensation can be granted for a new Lodge, was adopted and sent to the Subordinate Lodges for their concurrence.

On recommendation of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations, Charters were granted the following Lodges:
Napoleon, No.256, Napoleon, Henry County
Germantown, No.257, Germantown, Montgomery County
Emery, No.258, Loveland, Clermont County
Mineral, No.259, Hamden, Vinton County
Floral, No.260, Fitchville, Huron County
Fairfield, No.261, North Fairfield, Huron County
Napthalia, No.262, Carrol, Fairfield County
Clarington, (changed from Salem) No.263, Clarington, Monroe County
Paddy's Run, No.264, New London, Butler County
Morrow, No.265, Morrow, Warren County
Meridian Sun, No.266, Richfield, Summit County
Bellaire, No.267, Bellaire, Belmont County
Blazing Star, No.268, North Lewisburg, Champaign County
Mt. Sterling, No.269, Mt. Sterling, Madison County
Union City, No.270, Union City, Darke County
Alliance, No.271; Alliance, Stark County
Arcana, No.272, Crestline, Crawford County
Bellevue, No.273, Bellevue, Harrison County
Village, No.274, Burton, Geauga County
Orphans Friend, No.275, Wilkesville, Vinton County
Allen, No.276, Columbiana, Columbiana County

The Dispensation to New Lisbon Lodge, was continued to the next annual communication, and Dispensations were issued to Clemente Amitie Lodge, to he located at Unionville, Morgan County, and for a Lodge at Danville, Knox County.

M.·. W.·. W. B. Dodds was reelected Grand Master, and the Grand Lodge fixed Zanesville as the place, and October 21, A. D. 1856, as the time of holding the next annual communication.

Grand Lodge convened in Nevitt & Dickson's Hall, Zanesville, October 21, A. D. 1856, with M.·. W.·. Wm. B. Dodds, Grand Master, in the Chair, 241 Lodges represented.

The Grand Master reported the death of P. D. G. M. Absalom Death, in Cincinnati, September 17, and the special communication of the Grand Lodge on occasion of his funeral; also a special communication June 18, to lay the corner stone of a new Lodge Hall of Aurora Lodge, No.48, at Portsmouth, and that he had granted Dispensations for the following new Lodges:

January 26, Rock Creek, at Morgan, Ashtabula County
February 6, Amesville, at Amesville, Athens County
March 4, Kalida, at Kalida, Putnam County
March 13, Olancho, at Dayton, Montgomery County
April 12, Sylvania, at Sylvania, Lucas County
April 23, Pleasant Ridge, at Pleasant Ridge, Hamilton County
June 28, Relief, at Pierpont Centre, Ashtabula County
Jiily 25, Fostoria, at Fostoria, Seneca County
July 26, Grand Rapids, at Gilead, Wood County

Also a Dispensation to Summit Lodge, No.213, to continue their labors as a Lodge, they having lost their Charter and furniture by fire on December 18.

He calls the attention of the Craft to the great necessity for secret Societies such as the Masonic Order, their popularity, resulting in a great influx of membership and establishment of new Lodges, and cautions the Officers and Members of existing Lodges to exercise care, prudence and strict scrutiny and investigation as to all applicants for membership or in granting consent to new Lodges, and urges stricter supervision by the Grand Lodge over its Subordinates, and more uniformity in the work. He calls attention to the fact that some of the provisions of our Grand Lodge Constitution and By-Laws are in direct conflict with the "Ancient Constitutions," and recommends this be remedied. Ho recommends that the early proceedings of the Grand Lodge be reprinted, and arrangements be made to celebrate the semi-centennial of the formation of the Grand Lodge which will occur in January, 1858.

The Deputy Grand Master reports he granted Dispensations for the following new Lodges:

February 20, Central Lodge, at Calais, Monroe County
March 26, Ward, at Piqua
April 24, Anchor, at Duncan Falls, Muskingum County
September 3, Versailles, at Versailles, Darke County

Past Grand Master L. V. Bierce presented the Grand Lodge a setting Maul manufactured from the wood of an olive tree that grew on the Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem; the handle being of American hickory denotes the intimate connection existing between American and Jewish Masonry.

A cordial vote of thanks was tendered Bro. Bierce for his appropriate and valuable present.

The memorial of the Masonic life and services of Past Grand Secretary, James D. Caldwell, deceased, prepared by Past Grand Master Wm. J. Reese, of Lancaster, was presented and adopted, and spread upon the minutes.

The Committee appointed at the last Grand Communication to collate the Resolutions now in force, and the amendments to the By-Laws etc., of the Grand Lodge, presented their report covering seven pages of very interesting matter, and the same was approved and ordered printed in the proceedings. (Original Proceedings pages 434 to 440, Reprint 491 to 495.)

A Committee was appointed to mature and present to the Grand Lodge at its next annual communication a suitable plan for the celebration of the semi-centennial anniversary of the organization of the Grand Lodge, which occurs in January, A. D. 1858.

The Grand Secretary presented the returns of the vote cast in the Subordinate Lodges on the proposition to amend Article XII of the Grand Lodge Constitution, showing 135 Lodges voting, 129 for the amendment and 6 against it.

The Grand Lodge ordered that Utica Lodge No.183 be stricken from the Roll, and its Charter destroyed by the Grand Master, and that its funds, furniture, Jewels and effects be forfeited to the Grand Lodge and turned over to the new Lodge at that place as soon as constituted.

The State was ordered to be divided into six Districts by the Grand Master, and a District Deputy Grand Master, who shall have supervision over the work in his District, etc., appointed for each District.

A Committee was appointed to prepare and report to the Grand Lodge at its next communication a Code of Masonic Jurisprudence.

On recommendation of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations, Charters were granted to the following Lodges:

Rock Creek, No.277, Morgan, Ashtabula County
Amesville, No.278, Amesville, Athens County
Central, No.279, Calais, Monroe County
Kalida, No.280, Kalida, Putnam County
Ward, No.281, Piqua, Miami County
Pleasant Ridge, No.282, Pleasant Ridge, Hamilton County
Anchor, No.283, Duncan Falls, Muskingum County
Relief, No.284, Pierpont Center, Ashtabula County
Clemente Amitie, No.285, Unionville, Morgan County
Antioch, No.286, Danville, Knox County
Sylvania, No287, Sylvania, Lucas County
Fostoria, No.288, Fostoria, Seneca County
Grand Rapids, No.289, Gilead, Wood County

(Memorandum) The Committee on Charters and Dispensations on October 22, 1856, reported in favor of granting Charters to above Lodges 277, 281, 282, 283 and 284. The printed proceedings of the Grand Lodge does not show any action taken on this report. (Original, page 422, Reprint pages 483, 484), but on the last page of the cover of original they are included in the List of Lodges Chartered October, 1856, and Charters were issued to them, as subsequent reports show, and this must have been an omission by the Grand Secretary to enter the approval of the Grand Lodge on the minutes.

On recommendation of the same Committee Dispensations were issued for new Lodges, as follows:

Licking Lodge, at Utica, Licking County
Boggs, at DeGraff, Logan County
Stafford, at Stafford, Monroe County
Bartlett, at Plymouth, Washington County

And the following Dispensations were continued to the next Grand Communication:
Versailles, Darke County; Olancho, Dayton.

A new Charter bearing the same rank and number of the old one destroyed by fire December 18, 1855, was issued to Summit Lodge, No.213, at Twinsburg, Summit County.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence made a report covering forty pages, reviewing the proceedings of twenty-three states, twenty-nine volumes, and covering three thousand seven hundred and thirty-four pages. Many subjects of interest are discussed, the action of the different Grand Lodges and Grand Masters thereon commented, and much valuable information as to the Masonic history of and procedure in the various Grand Jurisdictions imparted. The report of the Delaware Committee is severely criticized. Among the important subjects noted and the action of the Grand Lodges thereon discussed are Immorality, Non-affiliation, Making Masons at sight, Past Master's Degree, Can a Lodge Officer resign after being installed, and the Invasion of New York by the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, and the establishment of illegitimate Lodges therein. These discussions, decisions, and precedents are valuable to the Masonic student, as they resulted in many of the questions being settled by adoption of amendments to the Constitutions and By-Laws of various Grand Lodges.

B. F. Smith, of Mt. Vernon, was elected and installed M.·. W.·. Grand Master, and M. D. Brock, of New Salem, Fairfield County, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master. The next annual convocation of the Grand Lodge to be held at Masillon, October 20, A. D. 1857.

Grand Lodge convened at Madison Hall, Massillon, October 20, A. D. 1857, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master Merideth D. Brock, in the Chair; M.·. W.·. Grand Master B. F. Smith, being absent from the State, 154 Lodges represented.

M.·. W.·. Solomon D. Bayless, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Indiana was introduced, received with Grand Honors and conducted to a seat in the east.

The Grand Master in his address regretted that an unforeseen change in his private business had made it necessary for him to leave the State for the far west and that about the first of May he had notified the Deputy Grand Master that it was necessary for duties of Grand Master during his absence, and that owing to circumstances entirely beyond his control it was impossible for him to return an be present at this convocation of the Grand Lodge.

He reports that the Trustees of Hamer Lodge had conveyed the property belonging to the Lodge to the Grand Lodge in accordance with the orders of the Grand Lodge. That as his proxy, Bro. Rufus Spaulding, of Cleveland, on January 14, dedicated the Masonic Hall erected by Golden Gate Lodge, No.245, At Chagrin Falls, and highly commends the officers and members of No.245 for their zeal in erecting and handsomely furnishing their splendid home. That he also issued his proxy to Bro. Stanley Matthews of Cincinnati to dedicate the new Masonic Hall erected by Bethel Lodge, No.61, on June 24.

That as required by the Grand Lodge (page 446 of 1856) he had divided the State into 6 Districts, as follows:

First District - Adams, Highland, Brown, Clermont, Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Clinton, Ross, Fayette, Greene, Montgomery and Preble - 13 Counties.

Second District - Darke, Mercer, Auglaize, Shelby, Miami, Clark, Champaign, Logan, Hardin, Marion, Union, Delaware, Franklin, Pickaway and Madison - 15 Counties.

Third District - Van Wert, Paulding, Defiance, Williams, Fulton, Henry, Putnam, Allen, Hancock, Wood, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca and Wyandot - 15 Counties.

Fourth District - Huron, Erie, Lorain, Cuyahoga, Medina, Wayne, Stark, Summit, Portage, Geauga, Lake, Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana - 15 Counties.

Fifth District - Crawford, Richand, Ashland, Monroe, Knox, Coshocton, Holmes, Tuscarawas, Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson, Belmont, Guernsey, Muskingum and Licking - is Counties.

Sixth District - Monroe, Noble, Washington, Morgan, Athens, Meigs, Gallia, Lawrence, Scioto, Pike, Jackson, Vinton, Hocking, Fairfield and Perry - 15 Counties; and that he had appointed the following District Deputy Grand Masters:

Fifth District, Bro. Win. B. Dodds, P. G. M., of Cincinnati
Second District, Bro. Wm. T. Snow, of Worthington
Third District, Bro. Alexander H. Newcomb, of Toledo
Fourth District, Bro. Reuben R. Bourn, of Chardon
Fifth District, Bro. Joseph Hildreth, of Mansfield
Sixth District, Bro. Oakley Case, of Logan, Hocking County

That he called these Deputy Grand Masters together at Columbus, on January 20, all being present except W. B. Dodds, who had been called to New Orleans on important business, and he appointed Bro. Horace M. Stokes of Lebanon, in his stead. That spent 12 days most faithfully in the discharge of their duties, when he was called in to inspect the work, which he did, assisted by M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master Win. B. Thrall and "was gratified to find that they had come so near the work I first saw and heard practice in a Masonic Lodge * * * that I gave it my approval and official sanction, which was which was concurred in by P. G. M. Thrall" and he recommends it s adoption, and states that since the appointment of the District Deputy he has heard but little complaint "itinerant lecturers," and takes a rap at them and the Masonic journalists who insist "in using the word 'regalia,' stolen from Odd Fellowship, instead of the Masonic term 'clothing."'

He recommends a decided increase in the amount of fees charged by the Subordinate Lodges for conferring the Degrees, and calls attention to the necessity of perfecting the arrangements for celebrating the semi-centennial anniversary of the organization of The Grand Lodge.

The select Committee appointed to prepare and report a Code of Masonic Jurisprudence, met in Columbus, preformed their duties, and will make a full report to the Grand Lodge.

He approved the contract of the select Committee to reprint the early proceedings, and after the work had progressed issued an order in part payment of price.

During the recess had several applications to make Masons at sight, but in all cases declined exercising that high power conferred by our Constitution.

Being in Columbus when the remains of the lamented Dr. Kane passed through that city, he opened a special convocation of the Grand Lodge, and "united with the Executive Officers of the State, both branches of the General Assembly, and others, in paying a proper tribute of respect to the lamented and honored dead, whose eventful life, and Masonic history is well known to the Grand Lodge."

He issued Dispensations for the following new Lodges:

December 23, Western Phoenix Lodge, at Parkman, Geauga County
December 24, Aurelius, at Macksburg, Washington County
February 18, Edenton, at Edenton, Clermont County

The Charter of Trowel Lodge, No.132, having been accidently destroyed a Dispensation was issued authorizing it to continue their labors until the next annual convocation of the Grand Lodge.

The R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master presented his report, stating that about May 1 the Grand Master notified him of his intention to leave the State and directing him to assume charge as Grand Master, which he did, and congratulated the Grand Lodge on the healthy tone, cheerful conformity to Masonic law, and the solid proofs of Masonic zeal and fidelity evidenced during the past year, and called attention to the fact that the Grand Lodge of Ohio is now the second largest in the United States, numbering near three hundred Lodges.

That he issued special proxies to Bro. J. T. Fallen, to dedicate Bethel Lodge Hall; to Bro. George R. Morton, of Columbus, to dedicate Harmony Hall; and to Bro. Geo. Morton, of Sandusky, to dedicate Evergreen Lodge Hall; all of whom performed the duties assigned them. That he dedicated Halls for Lithopolis, New Lexington and Monroe Lodges, and laid the corner stone for a new Masonic Hall in Zanesville, on July 4.

That he issued Dispensations for the following new Lodges:
June 7, Forest Lodge, at Forestville, Hamilton County
July 17, Ithaca, at Ithaca, Darke County

August 19, Flushing, at Flushing, Belmont County
August 28, Grand River, at Harpersfield, Ashtabula County

None of these Dispensations were issued until he was fully satisfied the petitioners were qualified to confer the Degrees, and provided with proper Halls in which to hold their Lodge meetings.

That he refused to issue a Dispensation for a Lodge at Thornville, Perry County, on account of its close proximity to Salem, Fairfield County.

That he had received petitions for Lodges at Yellow Springs, Greene County; Birmingham, Erie County; Porter, Gallia County; and Richwood, Union County; but on account of informalities and failure to comply with the requirements of the Grand Lodge, he was holding them until the defects could be remedied.

That he had issued orders in favor of the publishers of the Reprint in part payment on their contract to the amount of $1,710.00, and that he had received a copy of the first volume containing the entire proceedings from 1808 to 1847, and says it is well arranged, printed on good paper with good binding.

He suggests that the Grand Masters in the future be required to report their decisions, and that the same be published in the proceedings, thereby affording the Craft the benefit thereof; and also recommends that the fees for the Degrees be increased, and made uniform throughout the State.

The Committee in charge of reprinting the transactions of the Grand Lodge from 1808 to 1847, inclusive, report that they have attended to the duties assigned to them, and submit a specimen volume of the work making a volume of 664 pages; that the entire cost of the edition of 1,500 copies, including paper, printing and binding, is $2,024.00 - say $1.35 per volume; that the contractors have been paid on account amounting to $1,950, leaving a balance of $74.00 still due the contractors, and the Committee report a bill for expenses incurred amounting to
$25.90.

This report was referred to the Committee on Accounts which reported in favor of the payment of the balance of $74.00 in full to the contractors, the bill for $25.90 expenses incurred, and the payment of the sum of $300.00 to Bro. W. B. Thrall in full for his services in collating, editing, and superintending the publication of this volume of the Proceedings, which report was approved by the Grand Lodge and the Grand Master directed to draw orders for the payment of said sums.

A resolution was adopted continuing the select Committee on Reprint of the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, with instructions to collate, arrange, and have reprinted the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge from the same restrictions Lodge 1847 to the present, under the same restrictions and instructions, and to be bound so as to be of uniform size and appearance as the present volume just completed.

The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing the cash balance in the treasury to be $6,792.67.

The District Deputy Grand Masters appointed by the Grand Master exemplified the Ritual and Work of Masonry as the Grand Master exemplified the Ritual and Work of the three Degrees of Masonry as adopted by them at the meetings in Columbus, January 20 as reported by the Committee on Revision of the Ritual, on the completion of which, the Grand Lodge approved the work and authorized the District Deputy Grand Masters and others who may be authorized by the Grand Master, to communicate the same to such Lodges as desire to receive it; the question of approving the Ritual having been submitted to a vote by Lodges and 257 Lodges and 10 Grand Officers making a total of 267 voting in favor, and 87 Lodges and 1 Grand Officer a total of 88, voting against it.

A copy of the reprint of 1808-1847 was presented to the Grand Master of Indiana, and one copy to the Grand Lodge of Indiana, for which M.·. W.·. Grand Master Bayless returned thanks.

Bro. Kent Jarvis reported he had received a quit-claim deed from Hamer Lodge, No.142, at Bethlehem, Stark County, for the lot and building occupied as a Lodge room, and the same has been filed for record; that he had sold certain personal property and paid the proceeds on the debts of the Lodge, and herewith presented the Charter, Jewels, books, etc., and also statement of resources and liabilities.

The Committee on Memorial to the late P. D. G.

M. David Spangler of Coshocton, reported, and the memorial was adopted and spread upon the minutes, and printed in the Proceedings.

The rule of the Grand Lodge passed in 1842 (see Proceedings 1856, page 435) requiring the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge to be read in the Subordinate Lodges the first meeting after their receipt, was repealed by unanimous vote.

Bro. W. B. Thrall, P. G. M., announced the recent organization of a Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. in the territory of Nebraska (most of the Grand Officers formerly of Ohio) and offered a resolution of fraternal salutation and congratulations, which was unanimously adopted.

The first of the Resolutions on page 446 of printed proceedings of 1856 was amended so as to change style and designation of the District Deputy Grand Masters therein provided for to "District Lecturers," and to restrict their powers to instructions in said ritual.

It was recommended that the Subordinate Lodges, on the death of a member leaving a widow, furnish her with a diploma or certificate of the membership of her husband.

Bro. L. V. Bierce was allowed $28.00 for his services as Chairman of Committee on Foreign Correspondence.

The Committee on Ways and Means reported that it was inexpedient to appropriate any of the Grand Lodge funds for the purpose of celebrating the semi-centennial of its organization, which was adopted.

The Special Committee to whom was referred the votes of the Subordinate Lodges on the proposed amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge reported that the amendment to abolish the office of Grand Lecturer had been adopted by a vote of 203 Lodges in favor to 14 against, in which action the Grand Lodge concurred, only one member voting "Nay," and the words "Grand Lecturer" were stricken from Article II and V of the Constitution, and the whole of section XVII of the By-Laws was stricken out; thus after a long and persistent struggle the office of Grand Lecturer was abolished. Also, that Article XII of the Constitution was amended by a vote of 199 Lodges in favor to 19 against, by striking out all after the words "recommendation of," in the third line, and inserting the following: "all the Lodges whose jurisdictions will be affected by said dispensation, one of which shall vouch for the moral character and Masonic qualifications of the petitioners," the Grand Lodge concurring by more than the legal number of votes, said amendment was declared adopted.

The Grand Master announced that the Subordinate Lodges had cast 105 votes in favor of, and 117 votes against the proposed amendment of Article 11 of the Constitution to strike out the words "and Wardens," and that as two-thirds of the Lodges had not voted in favor of it, the amendment was lost.

The Grand Lodges of Canada and Kansas were each recognized and welcomed into the Brotherhood of Grand Lodges.

The proposition to raise the fees for the Degrees was considered and the sum of $20.00 agreed to, but the vote not being unanimous, the subject under the rules was laid over to the next annual communication for further action.

The select Committee as to the distribution of the Reprint of the Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1808-1847, reported that three copies be sent to each Subordinate Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction for the use of the Officers and members of said Lodge, one copy to each Past Grand Master of this Grand Lodge, one copy to each Grand Lodge in correspondence with this Grand Lodge, a sufficient number reserved for Lodges hereafter to be chartered in this state, and the remainder to be sold to any member of Lodges in this State at $1.50 per volume, which was adopted; and the Grand Secretary was ordered to take charge of the Volumes of the Reprint and distribute them in accordance with the instructions of the Grand Lodge.

Section VIII of the Grand Lodge By-Laws which required the "Grand Master at each stated communication of the Grand Lodge to appoint a Grand Steward, Grand Sword Bearer, and two Grand Pursuivants" was unanimously repealed.

Charters were granted to the following Lodges:

Versailles, No.290, at Versailles, Darke County
Licking, No.291, Utica, Licking County
Boggs, No.292, DeGraff, Logan County
Bartlett, No.293, Plymouth, Washington County
Forest, No.294, Forestville, C. H., Hamilton County
Ithaca, No.295, Ithaca, Darke County
Western Phoenix, No.296, Parkman, Geauga County
Grand River, No.297, Harpersfield, Ashtabula County
Flushing, No.298, Flushing, Belmont County

The Dispensations to Aurelius and Stafford Lodges, U. D., were continued to next annual communication, and a Dispensation was granted for a Lodge at Birmingham, Erie County, to be named and the Dispensation to Edenton Lodge, at Edenton, U. D., was recalled.

Brother Horace M. Stokes, of Lebanon was elected and installed M.·. W.·. Grand Master; Bro. Jonathan N. Burr, of Mt. Vernon, R.·. W.·. D. Grand Master; and Bro. Reuben R. Bourn, R.·. W.·. Senior Grand Warden. Brother Bourn being one of the District Deputy Grand Masters, the question was raised and submitted to the Committee on Jurisprudence whether he was eligible, this Committee reporting he was, and he was installed. Columbus was selected as the place of holding the next annual Grand Communication, and the time fixed October 19, A. D. 1858.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence submitted its report covering five pages, which was ordered printed with the proceedings as "Appendix A." The transactions of thirty-three of the thirty-four sister Grand Lodges, (Oregon omitted), covering 4,879 pages, are reviewed in an able and interesting manner.

This Committee calls attention to the fact that to Ohio belongs the credit of introducing the reviewing of the transactions of the various Grand Lodges by the appointment of a Committee for that purpose at the annual Communication held at Columbus, January 1828; also for the practice of the Grand Master submitting to the Grand Lodge a written report of his doings, which was inaugurated by M.·. W.·. Wm. J. Reese, Grand Master, at the annual Communications of 1839 and 1840, at which Communications it was made the duty of the Grand Master to thereafter make such reports.

In addition to the reviewing of the transactions of the Grand Lodges, the Committee discusses numerous subjects suggested therein, among which are "Uniformity of work;" "Right of dismission," "The right to ballot;" and "National Grand Lodge," but space will not permit us to notice these able articles, except to call attention to them and to the fact that the present Committee refer to the action and report of the Committee of this Grand Lodge at its annual Communication of 1823, to which was referred the proceedings of the meeting held at Washington, D. C., March 9, 1822, and which will be found on pages 135 to 137 of the first volume of the Reprint, in which they report:

"That the establishment of a General Grand Lodge of the United States, is at this time inexpedient," (which was adopted), and the present Committee say: (page 49 appendix to proceedings of 1847), "Thus spoke our Masonic fathers a third of a century ago, and their counsel now comes to us strengthened by years and confirmed by observation. We still regard it wholly unnecessary, and therefore inexpedient, to form a National Masonic Organization."

Grand Lodge convened at Columbus, Ohio, in Concert Hall, October 19, A. D. 1858, M.·. W.·. Horace M. Stokes, Grand Master, in the Chair, 166 Lodges represented.

The Grand Master read his annual report stating he had issued special proxies to competent Brethren authorizing them to constitute the Lodges receiving Charters at the last convocation, and had received reports showing that Boggs, No.292, Western Phoenix, No.296, Forest, No.294, Grand River, No.297, Flushing, No.298, had been duly constituted, but had no reports from the others.

That he had issued proxies to open the Grand Lodge for the following purposes:

To Bro. John M. Parks, to lay the corner stone of a public building at Gallipolis; to Bro. Rufus P. Spaulding to dedicate the new Masonic Temple of Temple Lodge, No.28; to Bro. R. H. Sedwick, to dedicate and consecrate the Hall of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No.64; to R.·. W.·. M. D. Brock, to dedicate and consecrate the Lodge Hall of Rushville, Lodge No.211, all of which duties were promptly and satisfactorily discharged.

The following dispensations were issued for new Lodges:

December 15, Lake Shore Lodge, at Madison, Lake County
January 19, Willoughby Lodge, at Willoughby, Lake County
March 5, Rose Lodge, at Monroeville, Huron County
March 11, Amelia Lodge, at Amelia, Clermont County
March 20, Stokes Lodge, at Port Jefferson, Shelby County
July 2, Acadia Lodge, at Acadia, Allen County
July 7, Frankfort Lodge, at Frankfort, Ross County
August 23, Eden Lodge, at Melmore, Seneca, County
March 17, Tiffin Lodge, At Tiffin, Seneca County.

That he had on December 30 issued a Dispensation for a new Lodge at Portsmouth, and in a few days for a new thereafter received a remonstrance and recalled the Dispensation, and had since received a memorial urging the restoration of the Dispensation, all of which he submits ti the Grand Lodge for action, also the petitions for new Lodges at Harveysburg, warren County, and Pleasant Valley, Madison County, which were recently received.

He calls attention to the prompt action of the Grand Lodge Michigan in forbidding the initiation of residents of other States in Lodges in that State in which the applicant resides, and recommends similar action by our Grand Lodge.

Reports the surrender of its Charter by Equality the circumstances leading up to the same.

That on May 11 he had received a communication from R.·. W.·. John Dove, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, and member of the permanent committee of the United States of the Universal Congress presenting ten propositions of said Congress, With arguments in their favor, which is submitted to the Grand Lodge for its action.

Announces the gratifying intelligence that the Grand Lodge of Canada, and the "Ancient Grand Lodge" of that Province have formed a union.

That on July 24 he received from the W. M. of Cincinnati Lodge, No.133, notice of the prevailing habit of inserting business advertisements in newspapers emblazoned with Masonic emblems, and addressed to the fraternity, and calls on the Grand Lodge to enact proper legislation to prevent this evil and also reports the fact that a Masonic Lodge in this State had been guilty of un-masonic conduct in uniting with another secret association in celebrating the anniversary of St. John, the Baptist, and recommends legislation on the subject.

He visited the Grand Lodge of Indiana during its session in May, met a large number of Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, and commends Grand Visitations.

On June 24, he dedicated and consecrated the beautiful Hall of Corinthian Lodge, No.111, at McConnelsville, and participated with the Brethren of Corinthian and Valley Lodges, in celebrating the festival of St. John, the Baptist.

On July 22 assisted the Brethren of N. C. Harmony Lodge, No.2, at Cincinnati, to lay the corner stone of their new Masonic Temple, Brother Bellamy Storer delivering the address.

Attention is called to the state of the Grand Lodge finances, to the loan made to Scioto Lodge, at Chillicothe, and the Grand Lodge real estate at Lancaster; that the work of reprinting the Grand Lodge proceedings from 1848 to 1857 inclusive, is completed and he had drawn orders to the amount of $1,700.00 in part payment' for the work.

Refers to the Masonic Code, presented at last session, and cautions against "innovations" and says:

"It should be our aim in legislating for Masonry, to restore the old ways, not to seek out new devices." Objects to the "order of procession" as reported in the Funeral Ceremony, in mentioning and giving precedence to Royal Arch Masons, Select Masters, Knights Templars, and insists that in a Lodge or Ceremony of Master Masons none but Master Masons and brethren holding posts of honor as such should be known and considered.

The R.·. W.·.Deputy Grand Master reports that on November 26, 1857, he constituted Licking Lodge, No.291, and installed its officers; on February 5, 1858, issued Dispensation for a new Lodge at Richwood, Union County, to be named Mt. Carmel; on February 22, 1858 dedicated and consecrated the new Masonic Hall in the city Mansfield and installed the officers of Mansfield and Venus Lodges; on October 8 received petition for dispensation for a new Lodge at Bolivar, Tuscarawas County, which is referred to the Grand Lodge for action.

The Grand Treasurer's report showed a balance in his hands October19, $4,485.28.

The Grand Secretary reported the amount of the pay roles for each year from 1848 to 1857 inclusive, and the number of Lodges represented, and the rate per Delegate for each year. The following propositions reported by the Jurisprudence Committee at the 1857 session were taken up and adopted:

"That it is not competent for a Warden to resign during his term of office," and the Seventh Rule was amended making the minimum fee for the first degrees twenty dollars.

The Committee on reprinting the proceedings of 1848 to 1857 inclusive, report they contracted with Follett, Foster & Co., of Columbus, on January 2 for furnishing all material, printing and binding 1,500 copies for $1,924.99, that the work was completed, the sum of $1,700.00 paid thereon, leaving a balance due of $224.29, and in consideration of the right to print additional copies the printers would pay the Chairman of the Committee for editing, and collating the volume. The expense of the work, exclusive of contingent expenses is $1.28 1/3 cents a volume.

The Grand Master was authorized to have the proceedings of other Grand Lodges in possession of the Grand Lodge bound in volumes of convenient size for preservation.

An appropriation of $200.00 was voted to Relief Lodge, No.1, of New Orleans, for aid furnished distressed Brethren of this jurisdiction, and returned thanks for the relief furnished by this Lodge and the Masonic Board of Relief of San Francisco.

The Grand Lodge by unanimous vote sustained Tuscarawas Lodge No.59 in expelling a member for "striking his wife with a whitewash brush."

Three copies of the second volume of the Reprint were order distributed to each subordinate Lodge for the use of the Lodge, one copy to each Grand Lodge in communication with this Grand Lodge, and one copy to each Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

Bro. W. H. Robinson reports that he had deposited the charter and books of Thornhill Lodge, No.173, with the Grand Secretary.

An order for $224.99 was drawn in favor of Follett, Foster & Co., balance due on contract for volume 2, Reprint, and the sum of $300.00 fixed as the sum to be paid by them to P. G. M. W. B. Thrall for his services in editing, compiling, and superintending the work, and a further order was drawn for incidental expenses of the Committee.

The select Committee to prepare a form of record for Subordinate Lodges reported a form which was adopted, and ordered printed in the proceedings.

The Committee on "hasty work" made a lengthy and instructive report as to modern and ancient usages, and recommends for adoption that one full lunar month must elapse from the presenting a petition and the ballot thereon, and between the conferring of degrees, which was approved and laid over until the next annual session under the rules, as was the proposed amendment to Article XVI of the Constitution.

Thanks were tendered to the Grand Lodge of Iowa for a bound volume of its proceedings from 1844 to 1853, and to the Grand Lodge of California for a copy of its proceedings from 1850 to 1854.

A proposition was made by the Masonic Building Association of Chillicothe to convey to the Grand Lodge the Masonic Hall subject to the liens thereon, including the $4,000.00 mortgage loan held by the Grand Lodge, which was not accepted, and the Grand Master and Grand Treasurer were directed to collect the debt owing the Grand Lodge when due.

The Committee of Jurisprudence reported that a Brother who has not been elected and served as a Warden in a regular Lodge is not eligible to election or installation as Master of a Lodge. That a "Past Master" as used in Article XII of the Constitution refers to Master Masons elected, and who have presided over a Lodge, and have been installed by a convocation of Past Masters, or by any other society of Masons having a Constitutional right to perform such ceremony. That the examination of candidates for advancement must be in open Lodge in the degree in which he is being examined; all of which was approved by the Grand Lodge.

The Grand Master was requested, at his convenience, to visit sister Grand Lodges, and was authorized to appoint and commission suitable Brethren to represent this Grand Lodge in other Masonic Grand Bodies, provided no expense be incurred by this Grand Lodge by reason thereof.

The following resolution reported by a select Committee was adopted:

"Resolved, That it is a violation of ancient usage, and un-masonic, for Masons to join with other Orders in any Masonic celebration."

The special Committee on the subject of "Masonic Charlatanism" reported at length strongly condemning the practice of using Masonic emblems in connection with business cards and advertisements, and offered the following resolutions:

"Resolved, That the use of Masonic emblems on cards, or by way of advertisement, except for to Masonic purposes, be and the same is hereby disapproved."

"Resolved, That any member of the Craft, guilty above resolution, is a proper subject of discipline;" which report and resolutions were adopted.

The committee to home the question of Rule V for the Government of Subordinate Lodges was referred, report that said rule was abolished at the session of 1848, and by mistake inserted in the last reprint of the rules, and on their report a resolution abrogated was adopted.

A resolution was adopted directing all Lodges in this State not to initiate or admit to membership any resident of another State without the consent of the subordinate Loge within whose within whose jurisdiction he resides.

Wellington Lodge, No.127, having sustained a loss by fire, an order was drawn in its favor refunding the Grand Lodge dues, $24.00.

The Grand Master was authorized to procure an appropriate official implement to be presented in the name of the Grand Lodge, to Bro. Joseph B. Covert as a testimonial of his ten years faithful service as Grand Tyler.

On recommendation of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations, Charters were granted the follow Lodges:

Amelia, No.299, at Amelia, Clermont County
Stafford, No.300, at Stafford, Monroe County
Gibson, No.301, at E. Birmingham, Erie County
Willoughby, No.302, at Willoughby, Lake County
Mt. Carmel, No.303, at Richwood, Union County
Rose, No.304, at Monroeville, Huron County
Stokes, No.305, at Pt. Jefferson, Shelby County
Acadia, No.306, at Acadia, Allen County
Lake Shore, No.307, at Madison, Lake County

Dispensations were granted for the following new Lodges:

Harveysburg, at Harveysburg, Warren County. Urania, at Pleasant Valley, Madison County. The Dispensations of the following Lodges U. D. were continued to the next annual communication:

Tiffin, at Tiffin City, Seneca County
Aurelius, at Macksburg, Washington County
Frankfort, at Frankfort, Ross County
Eden, at Melmore, Seneca County

Petitions for new Lodges refused:

Sullivan, at Sullivan, Ashland County
Lawrence, at Bolivar, Lawrence County
Clio, at Piketon, Pike County
Equality Lodge, No.242, surrendered its Charter
Permission was granted to Paddy's Run Lodge, No.264, at New London, Butler County, to change its name, but the change was not made; also to Napthalia, No.262, at Carroll, Fairfield County, to Napthali.

The same Committee in reporting on the By-Laws of several Subordinate Lodges struck out By-Laws providing for the remission of fees for the degrees to Ministers, on the ground that no degrees can be conferred without the payment of the prescribed fee; also a By-Law providing that any member of a Lodge could, with the consent of the Lodge, object to any member if another Lodge sitting in the Lodge on the ground that every Brother has the right on his own objection to prevent a member of another Lodge from sitting in his Lodge; both of which rulings were sustained by the Grand Lodge.

The Committee to whom was referred the communication from J Dove, R.·. W.·.Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge Virginia, in relation to the establishment of a Universal Masonic Congress," a report "That it inexpedient for this Grand Lodge to aid in the formation of a Universal Masonic Congress,"which was adopted.

Brother Horace M. Stokes was re-elected and installed Grand Master, and Columbus, October 18, A. D. 1859, was fixed as the place and time for holding the next annual communication.

The proposed Code was taken up and the further consideration thereof postponed until the next annual grand communication.

The Committee on "Masonic Qualifications" reported defining the term, deploring the fact that many Lodges are started and continued in unskillful hands and offering a resolution that the M.·. W.·. Grand Master and the R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master shall, before granting a Dispensation hereafter, be fully satisfied that the petitioners are qualified to confer the degrees of E. A., F. C., and M. M., in a legal and proper manner; which was adopted.

The M.·. W.·.Grand Master was authorized to procure suitable collars, of blue color, for the Jewels of the Officers of the Grand Lodge.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence reported a resolution hailing with pleasure the union recently effected between the Ancient Grand Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Canada; also the reconciliation of the Grand Lodge of New York with the body known as the Phillips Grand Lodge of that State, which was adopted. The Committee also submitted their report and review of the proceedings of the sister Grand Lodges, covering twenty-three pages, which is printed as an appendix to the proceedings.

Under the heads "New York" and "Canada" brief statements of the difficulties and dissensions, and the final adjustment of their differences are noted. Attention is called to the action of the Grand Lodge of Missouri in voting thirty dollars for the relief of a destitute Brother from Ohio, and to enable him to reach his home and kindred, as an act of true charity and an exemplification of the principles of Masonry; and of similar action by the Masonic Board of Relief of San Francisco.

A diversity of opinion seems to exist in the various Grand Lodges on the question of requiring candidates to affirm a belief in the "Divine authenticity of the Holy Scriptures," a number agreeing with Ohio in that requirement, and some claiming the only test is a belief in the existence, attributes and perfection of the Deity. A number also join with Ohio in requiring that petitioners for a new Lodge shall be able to properly confer the first three degrees of Masonry.

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