Grand Lodge convened at Armory Hall, Columbus, Ohio, October 18, A. D. 1859, M.·. W.·. Horace M. Stokes, Grand Master, in the Chair, 186 Lodges represented.

The Grand Master in his annual address congratulates the Grand Lodge on the continued prosperity of the Order in Ohio and sister Grand Jurisdictions, and says: "Harmony and peace in a wonderful degree prevail among and within our three hundred Lodges, and the brethren throughout the land seem to be striving in the true spirit of our teachings, to show who can best work and best agree.'" Proxies were issued for the Constitution of all the Lodges Chartered at the last communication, and reports received that Amelia, No.290; Stafford, No.300; Gibson, No.301; Willoughby, No.302; Rose, No.304; Stokes, No.305, Acadia, No.306, and Lake Shore, No.307, were duly constituted.

Notwithstanding the strict requirements prescribed by the Grand Lodge, the demand for new Lodges continues, and dispensations were granted for eight, as follows:

December 22, 1858, Rural, at North Bloomfield, Trumbull County
January 28, 1859, Sullivan, at Sullivan, Ashland County
March 3, 1859, Wyandot, at McCutchenville, Wyandot County
May 7, 1859, Manchester, at Manchester, Adams County
April 16, 1859, Riddle, at E. Liverpool, Columbiana County
May 28, 1859, Greenfield, at Greenfield, Highland County
June 22, 1859, Osborne, at Osborne, Greene County
August 23, 1859, New Lisbon, at New Lisbon, Columbiana County

Proxies were also granted and issued to the following Brothers to open special communications of the Grand Lodge, for the following purposes:

To Bro. John Rowe to lay the corner stone of a Lodge Hall for Vinton Lodge, No.131, and afterward, to same Brother, to dedicate said Hall to Masonry; to M. E. George Rex, to dedicate and consecrate the new Lodge Room erected by the Craft at Ashland; to Bro. L. Firestone, to lay, with Masonic ceremonies, the corner stone of a Church at Seville; to Bro. Geo. W. Flanders, to lay the corner stone of a new Hall to be erected by Western Sun Lodge, at Wheelersburg; all of which duties were promptly and properly performed.

On July 4, 1859, the Grand Master at the request of Lebanon Lodge, No.26, opened the Grand Lodge in special session and laid the corner stone of a new Masonic Temple about to be erected by said Lodge, Judge Storer of Cincinnati delivering an appropriate and eloquent oration. The Grand Master says : "At the alter of this Lodge, which has furnished the Craft of this Grand Jurisdiction four Grand Masters, and to the Grand Lodge of Illinois and Nebraska their present Deputy Grand Master, I was first "brought to light." the Lodge was just emerging from the baleful effort of the Anti-Masonic tornado, * * * "and its devoted members had reorganized the Lodge, and it's meetings were held in the attic of a tavern."

On September 21 the Grand Master, at the request of Medina Lodge, No.58. and with the assistance of the brethren, laid, with Masonic ceremonies, the corner stone of a house of worship for the Methodist Episcopal Church of that town.

He was invited by the Craft of Sandusky to lay the corner stone of a monument to be erected on Gibraltar Island to the memory of the gallant defenders of the Lakes in the War of 1812, on the anniversary of Perry's Victory, but was prevented by sickness from attending to that duty, and the
R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master, J. N. Burr, officiated.

Granted proxies to Brothers Howard Matthews, J. M. Parks, James S. Beeves, and A. H. Newcomb, to Exemplify the work and lectures of Masonry, and impart instructions therein.

Also authorized Bro. R. C. Jordan, M.·. W.·. Grand Master of Nebraska, who was on a visit to his relatives in Ross County, to give instruction to the members of Frankfort Lodge, U. D., many of whom are his old personal and Masonic friends.

He commends the work as revised and approved by the Grand Lodge in 1857, which is coming rapidly into favor, and has been adopted by a majority of the Lodges, and says he recently had an opportunity to compare it with that practiced in several of our sister Jurisdictions and was gratified to find that in essentials there was no material difference. "An Ohio Mason, well instructed in his profession according to our teachings, will pass current in any jurisdiction. He needs not instructions from teachers of other States who pretend to have discovered the 'Webb Work,' and who are engaged in circulating their rituals as merchandise in the most reprehensible manner etc.," and cautions the Brethren against these itinerant lecturers'' and calls upon the Grand Lodge to adopt more stringent measures to prevent their interference with the authorized work.

He refused to accept the resignation of P. G. Master L. V. Bierce as W. M. of Akron Lodge, No.187, being in doubt whether a Master could resign after being installed.

Reports he had the proceedings of the several Grand Lodges bound within the limits prescribed, and transmitted to Relief Lodge, No.1, of New Orleans the $200.00 appropriated at the last session, and had their warm fraternal acknowledgment of the same; that pursuant to resolution at last session on June 14 judgment had been obtained against the Masonic Building Association of Chillicothe for $3,615.02, and order of foreclosure, but at their request had withheld execution until the matter could be brought before the Grand Lodge at this communication. The printing of the proceedings of last communication was awarded to Follett, Foster & Co., at a saving of over $100 from the previous year. On July 30, 1858 received notice that the Hall of Palestine Lodge, No.158, with the Charter, etc., were destroyed by fire, and September 23, that the Hall, Charter, etc., of Collins Lodge, No.215, were also destroyed by fire; warrants were issued in each case to the Lodges authorizing them to continue work until the present session. The property of Equality Lodge was taken possession of, the Charter and Jewels deposited with the Grand Secretary and the other property left with Bro. Charles McElroy to dispose of and report.

Calls attention to the cordial and fraternal reception accorded by the Grand Lodge of New York to R.·. W.·. Osman A. Lyman, our accredited representative near that Body.

Being at Chicago on business last September during the session of the "National Association of Grand Lodges" called by the Grand Lodge of Maine for the purpose of forming a permanent organization, the Grand Master attended as "a silent, though deeply interested spectator," and submits a copy of the proceedings, articles of the association, etc., and registers his objections against national organizations in Masonry as dangerous, and instead of remaining the creatures of the Grand Bodies creating them soon divest their constituents of their independence and render them subordinate to the national body.

The Deputy Grand Master reports the following Dispensations for new Lodges issued by him:

December 2, 1858, Lawrence, at Bolivar, Tuscarawas County
April 2, 1859, Rockton, at Franklin Mills, Portage County
On December 27, 1858, he installed the Officers of Mt. Zion Lodge, No.9.

On September 10, 1858, he with the assistance of the Officers and members of Science Lodge, No.50, and a large concourse of Brethren from this and adjoining States, laid in ancient and Masonic form, the foundation stone of a monument to be erected to the memory of Commodore O. H. Perry and his companions in arms and their glorious victory on the Lake in the War of 1812, on Gibraltar Island.

On October 1, A. D. 1858, dedicated the Masonic Hall erected by Antioch Lodge, No.286, at Danville, Knox County.

The Grand Lodge amended Section 3 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws by striking out the words "nor more than five," leaving the standing committees to consist of three members.

The resolution authorizing the sale of the Grand Lodge lot at Lancaster was continued.

Bro. W. B. Thrall, P. G. M. of Ohio, was presented and received and welcomed as Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, near this Grand Lodge, with proper honors, conducted to a seat in the east and delivered an instructive address in which he refers to the fact that the "Representative now practiced by the Grand Lodges was inaugurated in 1841 by Grand Master, W. J. Reese, of this jurisdiction.

The Committee on canvassing the votes of the Subordinate Lodges on the question of the sixteenth article of the Grand Lodge Constitution reported that ninety-five Lodges voted in favor and ninety-seven against the proposition to repeal, several making no return, and the proposition was lost.

The Grand Treasurer's Report shows a balance of $4,265.14, on hand. The proposition to amend the 18th section of the By-Laws so as to reduce the mileage one cent a mile was indefinitely postponed, also the proposition to amend the 9th section of the Rules and Regulations so as to require one month to elapse between presenting a petition and ballot, and between the conferring of any two degrees, and that the vote on the proficiency of candidates for advancement shall be by ballot, was lost. A resolution requiring witnesses not Masons on a trial to be sworn by a qualified Officer, was lost.

Charters were granted and issued to the following Lodges, U. D.:

New Lisbon, No.65, located at New Lisbon, Columbiana County
Aurelius, No.308, located at Macksburg, Washington County
Frankfort, No.309, located at Frankfort, Ross County
Eden, No.310 located at Melmore, Seneca County
Urania, No.311, located at Pleasant Valley, Madison County
Harveysburg, No.312, located at Harveysburg, Warren County
Sullivan, No.313, located at Sullivan, Ashland County
Wyandot, No.314, located at McCutchenville, Wyandot County
Riddle, No.315, located at B. Liverpool, Columbiana County
Rockton, No.316, located at Franklin Mills, Portage County
Manchester, No.317, located at Manchester, Adams County
Greenfield, No.318, located at Greenfield, Highland County
Osborn, No.319, located at Osborn, Greene County
Tiffin, No.320, located at Tiffin, Seneca County

New Lisbon, No.65, was given the number of an old defunct Lodge which formerly existed at that place.

A new Charter was granted to Palestine Lodge, No.158, located at Marysville, Union County, in lieu of the one destroyed by fire; also to Collins Lodge, No.215, located at Bryan, Williams County, and its name changed to Bryan Lodge, No.215.

Dispensations were granted to new Lodges, as follows:
Rural, Bloomfield, Trumbull County; Lawrence, Bolivar, Tuscarawas County.
The petition for a Dispensation for a new Lodge, Middleport, at Middleport, Meigs County, being informal was returned for correction.

Bro. W. B. Hubbard, M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master of Ohio, was introduced, received with Grand Honors, conducted to the Grand East, and presented his credentials as Representative of the Grand Lodge of New York near this Grand Lodge; delivered an eloquent address covering two pages of the proceedings, in which he refers to the difficulties heretofore existing in New York, felicitates both Grand Jurisdictions that owing to the skillful spreading of the cement of brotherly love by Grand Master John L. Lewis, 'harmony now prevails in that jurisdiction, and peace, prosperity and fraternal comity exists throughout all Masonic Jurisdictions.

The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence reported that so long as the 14th rule is in force, all balloting for degrees and other business, except the conferring the degrees of E. A., and F. C., and the examination of candidates for advancement, must be had in the Lodge of Master Masons; which report was adopted by the Grand Lodge, thus settling a disputed question which had given rise to much discussion in the Grand and Subordinate Lodges.

Section XVI of the Grand Lodge By-Laws was amended so as to require the Grand Secretary to give bond with security, as the Grand Lodge may direct, before entering on the discharge of his duties as such.

The proposition of Follett, Foster & Co., to sell to the Grand Lodge the surplus copies of the reprint published by said firm was not accepted, as the Grand Lodge had sufficient on hand to supply all needs.

The Special Committee to whom was referred the question of the propriety of Subordinate Lodges renting to, or allowing other secret societies to occupy their Lodge rooms, reported that it was improper and was disapproved, which was adopted.

P.G. M. W. B. Thrall as Special Committee to take possession of the Charter and property of Charity Lodge, No.53 (formerly at Westerville), reported that he here presented the old Charter dated December 12, A. D. 1821, the record book extending from June 9, A. D. 1819 to October 7, A. D. 1840, 50 many of the Jewels as could be found, together with sundry implements of the Craft; all of which were ordered to be carefully preserved in the archives of the Grand Lodge.

The Special Committee on the subject of "Itinerant Lecturers," reported at length commending the work adopted by this Grand Lodge in 1857, the zeal, ability, and efficiency of our District Lecturers in properly imparting the work, and condemning and disapproving the action of itinerant and unauthorized persons imposing their so called ritualistic work on Brethren for purely selfish purposes, and presented resolutions prohibiting Subordinate Lodges from "receiving instruction from any other teachers than the M.·. W.·.Grand Master, or his proxy, or the District Lecturers appointed by the authority of this Grand Lodge;" which was agreed to and the resolutions adopted.

The Committee to whom was referred the proceedings of the Masonic Convention held at Chicago, Ill., Sept.13 and 14, A. D. 1859, make a report covering nearly two pages of the proceedings, in which they review the objects of the proposed "North American Congress" and say while they approve any plan that would advance the interests of Masonry and tend to cement the Grand Lodges in fraternal brotherhood, they would and must repudiate any plan that tends to swallow up their sovereignty and independence, and therefore offer for adoption the following resolution:

"Resolved, That it is inexpedient for this Grand Lodge to become a member of said proposed "North American Congress;" which report and resolution was adopted.

The Jurisprudence Committee reported that the distance between Lodges should be measured from Lodge to Lodge, which was adopted.

The Committee on Jurisprudence reported that a Dimit took effect from and after the vote of the Lodge granting it (reversing the report of the same Committee at the communication at Massillon); which report was adopted.

The same Committee reported that the expulsion or suspension of a Lodge member from any other body of Masons does not affect his standing as a Master Mason, and recommend that Rule 16 be rescinded, which was unanimously adopted.

Ordered that the returns of the Subordinate Lodges be arranged and bound for preservation.

The report of the Committee on Ways and Means shows the estimated expenses of the current year will exceed the receipts about $1,700.00.

The Jurisprudence Committee to whom the question was referred report that a day elected and installed Officer of a Subordinate Lodge can not resign his office so long as he remains a member of his Lodge; which report was adopted.

On recommendation of the same Committee the decisions of the Grand Master were approved, and ordered to be collated and published with the proceedings.

The "Code of Masonic Jurisprudence" reported at the 1857 Grand Communication and continued, was referred to the M.·. W.·. Grand Master for revision and to report on at the next Grand Communication.

A Special Committee was appointed to report to the next Grand Communication what provisions of our Grand Constitution are inconsistent with those of the "Ancient Constitutions," and the amendments necessary to reconcile the discrepancies.

The Grand Master and Grand Treasurer were authorized to collect and adjust the debt due the Grand Lodge from the "Masonic Building Association of Chillicothe" so as to best subserve the interests of the Grand Lodge.

By unanimous vote of the Grand Lodge Section 5 of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge was amended by. inserting after the word "immediately" in the second line, the words "before or after," so as to require his annual address immediately before or after appointing Standing Committee.

The Jewels of the Grand Lodge were placed in charge of the Grand Tyler, who was authorized to purchase a suitable trunk in which to keep them.

The Grand Master was requested to prepare and report to the next Grand Communication a form for the Installation of the Officers.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence made its report covering fourteen pages, which is printed in the appendix to the proceedings. The report was prepared by Brother Will M. Cunningham, Chairman, who says the various proceedings were handed to him only a few days before the Grand Lodge session.

He devotes nearly two pages to California, and fully answers the objections of that Committee to what it calls the "Ohio test" as to belief in the "Holy Scriptures;" and commends the charities of the Masonic Board of Relief, which disbursed $3,700.50 during the year of which $23.00 was to an applicant from Ohio. Resolutions were adopted in favor of "a Universal Masonic Congress." A copy of the republished Proceedings of the Grand Lodge is acknowledged. Under Louisiana, he says the report of Relief Lodge, No.1, shows disbursements for Charity $3,503.18, of which $197.25 was to applicants from Ohio, balance in treasury $348.02. The donation of $200.00 from the Grand Lodge of Ohio is thankfully acknowledged. The Grand Master of Illinois reports forty-two dispensations issued for new Lodges during the year, which our Committee thinks is "growing too fast."

The Grand Master of Tennessee pays a beautiful tribute in his address to Past Grand Master Wilkins Tannehill, the author of "Tannehill's Monitor" a recognized authority, who fell asleep June 2, A. D. 1858, aged 72 years, full of years and honors. The Grand Master of Vermont in an able address congratulates the Grand Lodge on the peace, prosperity and harmony existing in, and the large amount of good work in the Lodges in that jurisdiction. Contrasting the state of Masonry in Vermont for ten years prior to January, 1846 with the present, he says:

"My Brethren, if any associated body of men ever had cause for thankfulness and gratitude to God for mercies received at His hand, it is the body I am now addressing."

Want of space prevents further comments on this able report of our Committee.

At the election of Grand Officers M.·. W.·. Horace M. Stokes was reelected Grand Master; and the next Grand Communication was fixed at Columbus on the third Tuesday of October (Oct. 16) A. D. 1860.

Grand Lodge convened at Odeon Hall, Columbus, Tuesday, October 16, A. D. 1860, with Grand Master Horace M. Stokes in tho Chair; 175 Lodges represented.

Grand Master Stokes in his address congratulates the Grand Lodge on the universal prosperity, peace and harmony during the past years in the country, aud our Order.

Reports ten Dispensations granted for new Lodges as follows:

February 1, Ottawa Lodge, Ottawa, Putnam County
February 2, Orient Lodge, Piketon, Pike County
February 3, Edenton Lodge, Edenton, Clermont County
February 24, East Townsend Lodge, Townsend, Huron County
March 2, Perseverance Lodge, Sandusky City, Erie County
March 21, Fidelity Lodge, Galion, Crawford County
March 26, Clarksville Lodge, Clarksville, Clinton County
May 16, Center Lodge, Johnstown, Licking County
May 16, Golden Rule Lodge, Cherry Valley, Ashtabula County
May 16, Sabina Lodge, Sabina, Clinton County

Also a petition received from Coolville, Athens County, but as fee was not sent the papers were submitted to the Grand Lodge without action.

Reports returned showing that New Lisbon Lodge, No.65; Aurelius Lodge, No.308; Urania Lodge, No.311; Harveysburg Lodge, No.312; Sullivan Lodge, No.313; Wyandot. Lodge, No.314; Riddle Lodge, No.315; Rockton Lodge, No.316; Manchester Lodge, No.317; Greenfield Lodge, No.318; Osborn Lodge, No.319; and Tiffin Lodge, No.320, were duly constituted under their Charters, and their Officers installed. No reports were received from Frankfort Lodge, No.309; and Eden Lodge, No.310.

Special proxies were issued to Brothers Howard Matthews, James S. Reeves, John M. Parks, George Morton, and Arthur C. Davis, authorizing them to impart instruction, and exemplify the work and lectures of Masonry.

Also special proxy to Bro. S. E. Adams to lay the corner stone of a public edifice at Painesville, July 4, which was performed.

The Grand Master dedicated the following Masonic Halls to Masonry, Virtue and Universal Benevolence:

December 27, 1859, the Hall of Lebanon Lodge, No.26; June 21, 1860, the Hall of Bryan Lodge, No.215 (formerly Collins Lodge) whose Hall was destroyed by fire together with the Charter and furniture in July, 1859, but with commendable zeal they promptly rebuilt a substantial and commodious Hall and furnished it in appropriate and beautiful style; September 13, the new and commodious Hall of Fulton Lodge, No.248; on June 27, 1860, laid the corner stone of that noble charity, the Protestant Orphan Asylum of the City of Cincinnati, at Mount Auburn.

On September 10, 1860, convened a special session of the Grand Lodge and dedicated according to Masonic usage, in Cleveland, the Statue of Commodore Oliver H. Perry, erected by the citizens of Cleveland in honor of the memory of that distinguished officer, and to commemorate the Battle of Lake Erie.

The forms of returns of Subordinate Lodges submitted at last session was approved and a number printed for use of the Lodges, and a draft of a form for Installation of the Officers of the Grand Lodge is submitted.

The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing a balance in his hands October 16, 1860, of $4,403.65.

A resolution that all non-affiliated Masons shall be notified to affiliate and pay dues or be expelled, was lost.

The petitions for Dispensations for new Lodges at Coolville, Athens County, and New Home at Hanover, Licking County, were returned as informal.

The Select Committee appointed at the last session to report what amendments are necessary to the Grand Constitution to reconcile the alleged discrepancies between it and the Ancient Constitutions, made their report with resolutions which were seconded and referred to the Subordinate Lodges to be voted on and reported to the next session.

The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence to whom was referred the Code of Masonic Jurisprudence introduced at 1857 communication and revised by the Grand Master reported the same back with some amendments, and the same was adopted by the unanimous vote of the Grand Lodge and is Masonic Law in Ohio.

Also the following amendments to the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge were adopted:

Rule 1, strike out all after the word "Office," to the end thereof, and insert the words "at the festival of St. John the Evangelist, or at the stated meeting next preceding or succeeding." Repeal Rules 8 and 9.

The reports of the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence; of the Select Committee on the Book of Constitutions and the Ancient Charges; the Revised Code of Masonic Jurisprudence; the Charges of a Free Mason, and the Installation Ceremony, are all printed as an appendix to the proceedings.

The Grand Secretary was ordered to publish in a volume separate from the proceedings of the Grand Lodge the "Ancient Charges," the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, its rules and regulations now in force, and now adopted, together with the funeral service charges, prayers and formula, ordered to be printed by the Grand Lodge at its session for 1842; one copy to be sent to the Grand Master and Grand Secretary, one copy to each of the several Grand Lodges, three to each Subordinate Lodge in the State, and five hundred for future use.

The Charter of Etna Lodge, No.212 was declared forfeited, and the Lodge stricken from the roll of the Grand Lodge.

The Jurisprudence Committee reported a resolution condemning the use and dissemination of unauthorized rituals, and fixing the penalty of discipline in case of a member, and removal from office if a Master of the Lodge or Grand Lodge Officer.

The Grand Treasurer was authorized to procure a proper Jewel for the office of Grand Master in place of the one now in use.

On recommendation of the Jurisprudence Committee Rule 5 was reenacted by unanimous vote, as follows:

Rule 5, All proceedings, ballotings and business of the Lodges shall be had in a Lodge of Master Masons, that of conferring the degrees of E. A., and F. C., alone excepted.

A Select Committee was authorized to sell the Grand Lodge lots in Lancaster, and the Grand Master and Grand Treasurer were authorized to take future action in relation to the Chillicothe property and debt on the basis of the agreement on page 86 of the appendix.

A Committee was appointed to ascertain the number of each volume of the Reprint of this Grand Lodge now in the hands of private persons and at what price they could be purchased by the Grand Lodge.

The Grand Lodge decided that the proxy of an officer of a Lodge, or even a visitor must be a member in good standing of some Lodge.

Rule 15 was unanimously adopted providing that n candidate can only be received in the Lodge nearest his residence, except the consent of the nearest Lodge be obtained, or in case of concurrent jurisdiction when either Lodge can receive the petition, and fixing the penalty of double the amount of the fees for the degrees conferred, and to arrest of Charter, either or both at discretion of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge.

Rule 12, as revised, was unanimously adopted, providing that before initiating a candidate the Lodge must be satisfied he has not been rejected in another Lodge, and if it appears he has he shall not be initiated without first securing the unanimous consent of the Lodge rejecting him.

The Grand Lodge declined to purchase the additional copies of the Reprints in the hands of the printers.

The following Lodges were granted Charters at this session:

Orient, No.321, at Piketon, Pike County
E. Townsend, No.322, at Townsend, Huron County
Clarksville, No.323, at Clarksville, Clinton County
Sabina, No.324, at Sabina, Clinton County
Ottawa, No.325, at Ottawa (Buckeye P. O.) Putnam County
Center, No.326, at Johnstown, Licking County
Fidelity, No.327, at Galion, Crawford County
Rural, No.328, at North Bloomfield, Trumbull County
Perseverance, No.329, at Sandusky City, Erie County
Caldwell, No.330, at Bolivar, Tuscarawas County
Golden Rule, No.331, at Cherry Valley, Ashtabula County
Edenton, No.332, at Edenton, Clermont County

Horace M. Stokes was reelected and installed M.·. W.·. Grand Master, and the next communication of the Grand Lodge was fixed at Columbus, Tuesday, October 15, A. D. 1861.

The report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence covering over six pages was submitted, and is printed as part of the appendix. It is general in its scope, not reviewing the proceedings of the various Grand Lodges separat4y, but is grouped under the heads of "Masonry a Peace Maker," "Wide-spread activity of Masonic Order," "Masonry an Educator," "Masonic Charity," "Look well to the Ballot," "Non-affiliation," "National Grand Lodge," and "Masonic Jurisprudence," all of which subjects are treated in a masterly manner.

Grand Lodge convened at Armory Hall, Columbus, Ohio, Tuesday, October 15, 1861, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master George Rex, acting as Grand Master, in the Chair, 170 Chartered Lodges represented.

Brother George Rex, as acting Grand Master announced the death of M.·. W.·. Horace M. Stokes, Grand Master, which occurred at his residence at Lebanon on September 12, A. D. 1861, and his burial with Masonic Honors on September 14, by the Grand Lodge, M.·. W.·. W. B. Thrall, Past Grand Master, officiating.

He also announced the death of Brother James Caldwell, Grand Steward, at his residence in Zanesville, March 30, A. D. 1861.

He submits a report of the acts of Grand Master Stokes up to the date of his death, and his own acts since.

Grand Master Stokes issued the following Dispensations for new Lodges:
November 16, 1860, Unionport Lodge, at Unionport, Jefferson County
December 31, 1860, Geneva Lodge, at Geneva, Ashtabula County
January 17, 1861, Antwerp Lodge, at Antwerp, Paulding County
February 7, 1861, Brainard Lodge, at Fremont, Sandusky County
February 10, 1861, Coolville Lodge, at Coolville, Athens County
March 6, 1861, New Home Lodge, at Hanover, Licking County
May 15, 1861, Pioneer Military Lodge, Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry

A petition was presented from Brethren at Reynoldsburg, Franklin County, but Columbus and Magnolia Lodges having withdrawn their consent, it was returned to the petitioners; also a petition from Brethren at Dover, Cuyahoga County, but the consent of Lodges required was not obtained, and the petition was returned.

Proxies were issued to proper Brethren to dedicate the Lodges chartered at last session, and Orient Lodge, No.321; East Townsend Lodge, No.322; Clarksville Lodge, No.323; Sabina Lodge, No.324; Ottawa Lodge, No.325; Center Lodge, No.326; Fidelity Lodge, No.327; Rural Lodge, No.328; Perseverance Lodge, No.329; Caldwell Lodge, No.330; Golden Rule Lodge, No.331; and Edenton Lodge, No.332, were duly constituted under their Charters, and their Officers installed.

He deplores the state of war existing in our be-loved country, and admonishes the Brethren that their duty is to be true to their country, and just to their government, and after our duty to our God, and country, the duty of love to our Brethren which bids us in the hour of triumph to remember mercy and be ever ready to extend the helping and protecting hand to a fallen foe.

The Grand Master and Grand Treasurer visited Chillicothe and adjusted the claim of the Grand Lodge on the basis of agreement at last session, receiving a deed for the Masonic Building to the Grand Lodge and placing Brother Philip Klein in charge as the Agent of the Grand Lodge. Efforts were made to dispose of the lots at Lancaster without success. The Charity fund donated by an unknown hand was invested separately subject to the future action of the Grand Lodge.

On the 3d of October a petition was received from Brethren members of the Thirty-Eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Militia for a Dispensation to form a Military Lodge, which was referred to the Grand Lodge for action. The Grand Lodge took a recess, in token of respect to the memory of Grand Master Horace M. Stokes, until 3 o'clock P. M.

A communication was submitted from Brother George Webster, Senior Grand Warden, dated Camp Cheat Mountain Summit, September 23, A. D. 1861, stating his duties as Major of the Twenty-Fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteers prevented him from attending this communication of the Grand Lodge.

The Grand Treasurer's Report was submitted showing a balance on hand, October 15, 1861, $2,640.47.

The resolution amending Section XVI of Grand Lodge By-Laws increasing the salary of the Grand Secretary from $300.00 to $500.00, was adopted by more than a two-thirds vote.

The Committee on Charters reported that the work of Pioneer Military Lodge of the Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry was regular, the By-Laws in due form, and recommend the Lodge be continued under such rules as the Grand Lodge may prescribe, and that a Dispensation be granted to Military Lodge of the Thirty-Eighth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers under such rules as the Grand Lodge may adopt; which recommendations were adopted.

The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence reported the following regulations for Lodges in Ohio Regiments during the pending war:

1. Dispensations for Military Lodges may be granted by the Grand Master upon the same petitions, certificates and prerequisites as are required for the establishment of civil Lodges, except the consent of other Lodges shall not be required, nor a demit from the Lodge to which the petitioner belongs.

2. Dispensations shall not be issued to any but the members of Ohio regiments, nor for the holding of more than one Lodge in each regiment.

3. No Military Lodge shall, on any pretense, initiate into Masonry any inhabitant or sojourner in any town or place at which its members may be stationed, or through which they may be marching, nor any person who does not, at the time, belong to the military profession, nor the members of any other regiment holding a dispensation or charter for a Lodge.

4. When any Military Lodge, established under the authority of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, shall be out of the State, it shall so conduct itself as not to give offense to the Masonic authorities of the country or place in which it may sojourn; never losing sight of the duties it owes to the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, to which communication is ever to be made, and all dues and fees regularly transmitted.

5. In case of the death or removal of the Officers of a Military Lodge, the members thereof are authorized to supply the vacancy by election, and are required forthwith to report the same to the Grand Master for his approval.

6. Military Lodges are required to make the same returns as civil Lodges.

7. Upon the disbandment of a regiment in which any Lodge shall have been established, it shall be the duty of the Officer having the Dispensation or Charter (if any), records, Jewels, papers and property of said Lodge in charge, forthwith to return the same to the Grand Secretary of the, Grand Lodge of Ohio.

8. Any Brother joining a Military Lodge, shall not thereby forfeit his membership in the Lodge to which he formerly belonged, but such joining shall operate to suspend his payment of dues to the Lodge to which he formerly belonged, and of the payment of Grand Lodge dues by said Lodge for him.

A motion to amend the regulations, allowing Military Lodges Charters instead of Dispensations was lost, and the recommendations of the Committee were agreed to and adopted.

Brother George Rex was elected and installed Grand Master, and Columbus, and Tuesday, October 21, A. D. 1862, selected as the place and time of holding the next annual communication of the Grand Lodge.

The following resolution was unanimously adopted:

"Resolved, That the latter clause of Section 53 of the Code of Masonic Jurisprudence, as printed on page 178 of the printed proceedings of the year 1860, is hereby recognized and declared to be in full force as a valid part of Rule No. 20 for the government of Subordinate Lodges, found on pages 30 and 32, of the Book of Constitutions; the said clause having been omitted in the Book of Constitutions, by mistake."

The Select Committee to report a Memorial in memory of M.·. W.·. Grand Master Horace M. Stokes, presented an eloquent eulogy on his life and character, covering nearly three pages, and the Grand Lodge appointed a Committee to correspond with his widow relative to the erection of a proper monument at his with a suitable Masonic inscription thereon.

The committee appointed to canvass the votes of the Subordinate Lodges on the proposed amendment to Article XVI of the Grand Lodge Constitution reported that two hundred and forty-four Lodges voted, of which two hundred and thirty voted in favor and fourteen against the amendment more than two-thirds having voted in favor. The Grand Master put the question on the adoption of the amendment by the Grand Lodge when the same was concurred in by a vote of more than three-fourths of the members present and declared adopted as follows:

"The Charges of a Freemason hereunto attached, this Grand Lodge does recognize and adopt as containing the fundamental laws of Freemasonry, and declares that they should be frequently read and perused by Masters and other Craftsmen, as well within Subordinate Lodges as thereout, to the end that none may be ignorant of the excellent principles and precepts which they inculcate."

The Committee on the State of the Union submitted a carefully prepared and patriotic report covering two pages in which they deplore the state of war existing in our country, and citing the "ancient charges" that "a Mason is a peaceful subject to the civil powers and never to be concerned in plots or conspiracies against the peace and welfare of the Nation, etc.;" declare that "Loyalty to the Government, then, next to their duty to God, has ever been regarded as the distinguishing characteristic of Free and Accepted Masons," and present several resolutions for adoption, the last of which is:

Resolved, That it is the duty of every worthy Mason, in this hour of his country's peril, to stand by the General Government, even at the expense of fortune and life, that the blessings of constitutional liberty and union, as handed down to us by our fathers, may be enjoyed by us in our day and generation and may be transmitted unimpaired to our posterity forever."
Report and resolutions were unanimously adopted.

The Committee on Jurisprudence reported that the laws and edicts of this Grand Lodge are supreme, and every Subordinate Lodge is required to comply with them. The By-Laws of a Subordinate in contravention of those laws and edicts are void, though they may have been approved by the Grand Lodge; which was approved by the Grand Lodge.

Brother Leon Hyneman of Philadelphia, Pa., publisher of "The World's Masonic Register" presented to the Grand Lodge a bound copy, which was accepted and deposited with the Grand Secretary.

The following Lodges U. D. were granted Charters:
Unionport, No. 333, located at Unionport, Jefferson County
Geneva, No. 334, located at Geneva, Ashtabula County
Antwerp, No. 335, located at Antwerp, Paulding County
Brainard, No.336, located at Fremont, Sandusky County
Coolville No.337, located at Coolville, Athens County

The following were continued under Dispensation:
New Home, Hanover, Licking County; Pioneer Military, Fourth Regiment, O. V. I.

The following not granted:

Chatfield, Dover, Cuyahoga County; Reynoldsburg, Franklin County; Martinsburg, Belmont County.

Snow Lodge, No.193 presented a memorial charging that Paddys Run Lodge, No.264, has failed and neglected to pay Snow Lodge the $27.00 fees received from candidates residing within the jurisdiction of Snow Lodge, as heretofore ordered by the Grand Lodge, and a resolution was adopted requiring such payment to he made within sixty days from the rising of the Grand Lodge, and in default the Charter of No.264 be forfeited.

Brother James S. Reeves, chairman of the Foreign Correspondence Committee, submitted its report, covering 14 pages. Under the head, "District of Columbia," attention is called to the special convocation of the Grand Lodge on February 22, A. D. 1861, at Washington, D.C. to dedicate the equestrian statue of our illustrious Brother, George Washington. Fredricksburg Lodge, No. 4, and Alexandria Washington Lodge, No.22 were present as was Brother James Buchanan, President of the United States, and Past Master of Lancaster Lodge, No.43 of Pennsylvania and assisted in the interesting ceremonies of dedicating the statue according to Masonic usage. The gavel used by Washington in laying the corner stone of the National Capitol on September 18, A. D. 1793, was used on this occasion by the President, who at the close of the ceremonies delivered an eloquent and patriotic address, which is printed in full in the report of the Committee.

Under "Rhode Island" is the report of the Committee on civil Charter for the Grand Lodge, which states that finding the old Charter granted at the May session of the General Assembly A. D. 1812 and surrendered by the Grand Lodge May 17, A. D. 1834, in the office of the Secretary of State, they made application to the Legislature for its restoration, and an act was passed restoring this old charter, and the committee congratulate the Grand Lodge in again possessing this valuable document. There is also printed in our report a list of the first four Grand Lodge Officers of Rhode Island from 1791 to 1861 inclusive, which is valuable for reference.

Grand Lodge convened at Naughton Hall, Columbus, Tuesday, October 21, A. D. 1866, with 183 Chartered Lodges represented. M.·. W.·. George Rex, Grand Master, in the Chair. The following Past Grand Officers were present: W. B. Thrall, P. G. M. 1847, Wm. B. Hubbard, P. G. M. 1850, M. D. Brock, P. D. G. M. 1856, Henry Sage, P. S. G. W. 1834, and John M. Barrere, P. J. G. W. 1839.

The Grand Master in his address congratulated the Grand Lodge on the continued harmony and prosperity of our Order in this jurisdiction, "for all which we should be duly grateful to our Heavenly Father and humbly implore the continuance of His gracious favor toward us."

Speaking of the condition of the country he says:

"Desolating, relentless civil war exists in a large portion of this once happy land. The blood of many of our best and bravest citizens crimsons the battle fields of our Republic, * * * and we are called upon to mourn the loss of our brave Cantwell, our heroic Kyle, and our gallant Webster, who have each held high and distinguished positions in this Grand Lodge, were beloved by their Brethren and respected and honored wherever known. Like true Masons they died at their post of duty in a just and holy cause, and their memories will be cherished by a grateful people so long as loyalty shall have a name or patriotism an abiding place in the heart of man."

He calls attention to the death on May 10, 1862, of Past Grand Master Charles Anthony, of Spring-field, Ohio, a member of Clark Lodge, No.101, of which he was the W. M. for many years. Brother Anthony was elected and installed Grand Master at the communication held at Columbus, January 2, A. D. 1832.

The Grand Master issued the following Dispensations for new Lodges:
January 15, Benedict Lodge, 55th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, George H. Safford, W. M.; James M Stevens, S. W.; Daniel F. DeWolf, J. W.
January 18, Candee Lodge, 66th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, A. L. Shepherd, W. M.; Ross Colwell, S. W.; T. G. Keller, J. W.
January 27, Washington Military Lodge, 68th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, James G. Haley, W. M.; Robert K. Scott, S. W.; J. J. Vorhes, J. W.
February 15, Blendon Lodge, Westerville, Franklin County.
February 22, Union Military Lodge, 82d Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, J. Y. Cantwell, W. M.; J. A. McClusky, S. W.; J. P. Drennan, J. W.
February 24, Reynoldsburg Lodge, Reynoldsburg, Franklin County.
February 26, Oliver Hazard Perry Lodge, Port Clinton, Ottawa County.
April 10, Ward Military Lodge, 17th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Bonham H. Fox, W. M.; James W. Stinchcomb, S. W.; Daniel M. Rea, J. W.
March 10, Tuscan Lodge, Jefferson, Ashtabula County.
May 12, Nevada Lodge, Nevada, Wyandot County.

Also received a petition from Brethren at Kingsville, Ashtabula County, shortly before this communication, which is herewith referred to the Grand Lodge for action.

The Dispensations to the five Military Lodges as well as to Pioneer Lodge remain in force three years if the regiment remain so long in the service, or until revoked by the Grand Lodge or Grand Master, believing the dispensations were intended to have the same effect and operation of a charter so long as the regiment remain in the service.

Proxies were issued at the close of last session to competent Brethren to constitute the several Lodges to whom charters had been granted, and they report that Unionport Lodge, No.333; Geneva Lodge, No.334; Antwerp Lodge, No.335; Brainard Lodge, No.336; and Coolville Lodge, No.337, were duly constituted and their Officers installed.

Brother Joseph R. Conrad, W. .M. of Alliance Lodge, No.271, under a special proxy from me, on July 4, A. D. 1862, laid the corner stone of an edifice to be erected at Mount Union, Stark County, Ohio, for a college; the ceremonies being appropriately conducted in accordance with Masonic usage.

On March 18, received from R.·. W.·. Brother Kent Jarvis, a statement of the receipts and disbursements on account of the property of the late Hamer Lodge, showing a balance due the Grand Lodge of $32.40, which has been paid over to the Grand Treasurer.

The statement of Bro. Philip Klein of receipts and disbursements on account of the Chillicothe property is submitted showing receipts to August 1, 1862, $382.95, and disbursements, $326.32, leaving a balance of $56.63 to be paid over to the estate of Wm. Ross on the $1,400.00 debt due said estate; and the Grand Master advises a prompt sale of the property at the best price that can be obtained. He calls attention to the financial condition of the Grand Lodge, and advises short sessions and economy.

The Grand Master also presented the report of R.·. W.·. Howard Matthews, Deputy Grand Master, whose duties in the Union Army prevented his attendance on the Grand Lodge, and who reports that on December 27, 1861, he installed the Officers of all the Cincinnati Lodges, consisting of Nova Cesarea Harmony Lodge, No.2; Miami Lodge, No.46; Lafayette Lodge, No.81; Cincinnati Lodge, No.133; McMillan Lodge, No.141; Cynthia Lodge, No.155; Yeatman Lodge, No.162; and Hanselmann Lodge, No.208, the installation being public. One feature of the evening being a donation party at which a considerable sum was realized for the benefit of the poor. He also installed the Officers of Cumminsville Lodge, No.253 on January 16, 1862.

He makes an appeal to the Brethren to care for the widows and orphans left by the brave defenders of our country's flag and honor, and as one means suggests the establishment of a "widow's and orphan's fund" in each Lodge.

The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing a balance on hand of $1,600.12.

The Committee on Ways and Means who considered the address of the Grand Master and the application from Scioto Lodge, No.6, concerning the Chillicothe property, reported resolutions to rescind the resolution adopted in 1860 (page 87), and directed the Committee appointed at that session (page 86) to sell the property without restriction as to price or the amount realized by the Grand Lodge, which was adopted.

The Grand Lodge transferred all its interest in the Hamer Lodge real estate to Clinton Lodge, No.47, said Lodge to pay all expenses of transfer.

The following Lodges U. D. were granted Charters:
New Home, No.338, located at Hanover, Licking County
Blendon, No.339, located at Westerville, Franklin County
Reynoldsburg, No.340, located at Reynoldsburg, Franklin County
Oliver Hazzard Perry, No.341, located at Port Clinton, Ottawa County
Tuscan, No.342, located at Jefferson, Ashtabula County
Nevada, No.343, located at Nevada, Wyandot County

Under Dispensation, the following Army Lodges in regiments from Ohio:
May 15, 1861, Pioneer Military, 4th Regiment O. V. I.
January 15, 1862, Benedict, 55th Regiment O. V. I.
January 18, 1862, Candee, 66th Regiment O. V. I.
January 27, 1862, Washington Military, 68th Regiment O. V. I.
April 10, 1862, Ward Military, 17th Regiment O. V. I.

Dispensations refused: Orion, Kingsville, Ashtabula County

Orient Lodge, No.321, located at Piketon, Pike County, was granted permission to move to Waverly as soon as it obtained the consent of the Lodges whose jurisdiction will be affected by the removal, and report the same to the Grand Master, who shall then authorize the removal.

The Committee on Charters take exception to the "hasty work in Blendon and Tuscan Lodges. In Blendon a candidate received the E. A. was balloted for and elected to F. C. same evening, the next day was passed, and on September 1 received the M. M.; in Tuscan a candidate received the E. A. on August 15th, on the 19th was examined, elected and received the F. C., and on the 23d received the M. M." The committee required from these Lodges the assurance that they would avoid these irregularities in the future, before they reported in favor of granting their Charters.

The Committee on Grievances required Milford Lodge, No.54, to pay Wellington Lodge, No.127, $36.00 fees received from two candidates whose residence was in the jurisdiction of No.127, but who were in the army service and camped within the jurisdiction of No.54 for a few weeks.

The Committee on Memorials of P. G. M. Charles Anthony, and Brothers Cantwell, Kyle and Webster, reported proper testimonials which were approved and printed in the proceedings, and in the newspapers in the city of Columbus.

Brother George Rex was reelected and installed as Grand Master, and the next annual communication of the Grand Lodge was fixed at Columbus, the third Tuesday (20th) of October, A. D. 1863.

The following resolution reported by a select committee was adopted: "Resolved, That each Subordinate Lodge be requested to provide a suitable fund for the relief of the widows and orphans within its jurisdiction, who have become such by the sacrifice of the lives of their husbands and fathers, Brethren of our Order, in the defense of their Country, and also in favor of such of them as have been made cripples, or helpless by the casualties of war."

The Grand Master reported he had paid over to the Grand Secretary $19.75, for dues received from members of the late Etna Lodge, who were not involved in its difficulties and who may join other Lodges.

The following resolution was adopted:
"Resolved, That the Grand Master is hereby instructed and authorized to arrest the Charter of any Lodge which shall initiate, pass, or raise a candidate contrary to the provisions of Section 26 of the Code.

Grand Lodge convened at Naughton Hall, Columbus, Ohio, Tuesday, October 20, A. D. 1863. M.·. W.·. George Rex, Grand Master in the Chair, and 175 Chartered Lodges represented, and the following Past Grand Officers present: Past Grand Masters, William Fielding, Wm. B. Dodds, William B. Thrall; Past Deputy Grand Masters, M. D. Brock, Howard Matthews; Past Junior Grand Warden, J. M. Barrere.

Immediately after the close of the last session, special proxies were issued to the following Brothers to constitute the Lodges receiving Charters and install their Officers:
To Bro. W. M. Cnnningham, P. M. for New Home Lodge, No.338; Bro. William B. Thrall, P. G. M. for Blendon Lodge, No.339; Bro. Cornelius Moore, P. M. for Reynoldsburg Lodge, No.340; Bro. Geo. Morton, S. G. W. for Oliver Hazard Perry Lodge, No.341; Bro. Alpheus Steele, P. M. for Tuscan Lodge, No.342; Bro. Milton Smith, P. M. for Nevada Lodge, No.343.

These Brethren report that they promptly attended to the duties assigned to them.

Dispensations were issued for the following new Lodges:

August 15, Shiloh Lodge, 77th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, William B. Mason, W. M., Nathan Ahefeld, S. W., Ragen B. Reid, J. W.

August 24, Ada Lodge, at Ada, Hardin County.

Petitions were received for Dispensations for the following Military Lodges, but were not issued on account of defects and omissions in the papers:

From Brethren in 81st Regiment O. V. I. required vouchers and certificates not forwarded with petition.

From Brethren in 116th and 122d Regiments O. V. I., petitions were not accompanied with the fees, nor proper certificates or vouchers.

From Brethren for a Lodge in the Third Brigade, Fifth Division, Army Corps, West Tennessee, not having authority to establish a Lodge in a division of the army larger than a regiment, the papers were returned.

Orient Lodge, No.321, having obtained and filed the consent of Scioto Lodge, No. 6, and Bambridge Lodge, No.196, to its removal from Piketon to Waverly in compliance with the resolution adopted at the last session, a warrant was issued on January 8, A. D. 1863, authorizing said removal.

On April 15 the Grand Master receiving information that the Hall, furniture, charter, jewels and records of Western Sun Lodge, No.91, at Wheelersburg, Scioto County, were destroyed by fire, a warrant was issued and forwarded to the W. M. of the Lodge authorizing it to continue work until the close of this session of the Grand Lodge.

The real estate of Hamer Lodge was turned over to Clinton Lodge which took possession, but the Grand Lodge is asked to authorize some Officer to execute the deed for the property.

The Grand Master and Grand Treasurer met in Lancaster in March and sold the Grand Lodge lots in that city to John A. Hunter for $1,200.00, one-third in hand, one-third in one year, and one-third in two years with interest, the deferred payments secured by mortgage, the Grand Lodge to procure proper deeds and convey same to Hunter, and contract entered into and cash payment made.

An effort was made to sell the Chillicothe property without effect.

The Grand Treasurer submitted his report showing a balance on hand October 20, of $2,088.94.

The Committee on Jurisprudence reported that the vote of a Lodge should be taken by ballot on the question of giving its consent to another Lodge to confer the degrees upon an individual who has formerly been rejected in the first Lodge, which was approved.

The same Committee reported a resolution authorizing the Grand Secretary to convey the Hamer Lodge real estate to Thos. W. Harvey and Kent Jarvis as trustees for the use and benefit of Clinton Lodge, No.47, which was adopted.

The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence reported a supplement to Rule 23 providing for constructive notice by mail to an absent Brother beyond the jurisdiction of a Lodge, of charges, etc., against him, which was unanimously adopted, and is now the law.

Also from the same committee a proper form of procedure to expel members who fail or refuse to pay their dues, an amendment to Section XXII of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge. "Strike out all after the word 'arrears' and insert the following: 'And if his dues are not paid in a reasonable time thereafter (which reasonable time shall be determined by the Lodge before closing or calling off), it is here-by made the imperative duty of the Grand Master to cause the Secretary at the expiration of said agreed time, to enter such suspended member expelled, provided that notice has been given in accordance with the supplement to Rule 13, previous to said expulsion,'" which was unanimously adopted, and is now the law.

On recommendation of the Committee on Charters a Charter was granted to Ada Lodge, No.344, at Ada, Hardin County, and Dispensations were granted for new Lodges as follows:

Concordia, at Cleveland, Ohio; Belle Center, at Belle Center; Somerton, at Somerton, Belmont County.

The petition for a new Lodge at Wauseon, Fulton County, not complying with the regulations was not granted.

A new Charter of same date and number as old one was granted without fee to Western Sun Lodge, No.91, in place of the old Charter destroyed by fire.

The Grand Lodge reaffirmed as its unanimous sentiments the resolutions adopted at its Grand Communication held in October, A. D. 1861, in relation to the Civil War, and the duty of Masons, and ordered the same published in the Columbus papers and a copy sent to the President of the United States.

On recommendation of the Committee on Charters, the removal of Orient Lodge, No.321 from Piketon to Waverly was approved, as was the Dispensation granted to 77th Regiment O. V. I., and Benedict Military Lodge in the 55th Regiment O. V. J. having returned its Dispensation and records to the Grand Secretary, he was directed to take charge of and preserve said Dispensation, records and other property.

Brother Thomas Sparrow, of Columbus, was elected and installed as M.·. W.·. Grand Master, and the next annual communication of the Grand Lodge fixed at Cleveland, October 18, A. D. 1864.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence made its report covering thirteen pages, reviewing the proceedings of sixteen States and the Province of Canada. No proceedings received from eleven of the Southern States on account of the suspension of mail facilities, nor any from ten of the Northern States for reasons not known.

In a number of these reports it seems that the "Itinerant Lecturer" with his perfect and ancient ritual is still abroad in the land, foisting his fake books and instructions on the Brethren. One enterprising individual claiming to be in possession of the exact literal work and lectures of "Webb-Preston Masonry," has organized an order which he styles the "Order of Conservators of Symbolic Masonry," appointed himself "Chief Conservator" and proposes to organize and promulgate the tenets of his alleged order through a Deputy Conservator in each Congressional District, with a Conservator and two Deputies in each Lodge, all under his supervision as Chief Conservator, and one of the principal rules is that each Lodge must contribute ten dollars, which fund is to be for the use of the Chief.

Grand Master Pierson, of Minnesota, exposes the scheme in his address, and estimates that if one-half the Lodges should respond to the call the Chief Conservator would receive at least $75,000.00.

Owing to the stringent enactments of our Grand Lodge and their enforcement by our Grand Masters, Ohio has not been invaded lately by these ritual peddlers.

The Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, to prevent this evil, organized a Grand Lodge of Instruction under the supervision of the Grand Master, and provides that the work as adopted and prescribed by it and the Grand Lodge shall be the only work and lectures used within the jurisdiction, under penalty of suspension.

Grand Lodge convened in Lyman's Hall, Cleveland, Tuesday, October 18, A. D. 1864. Bro. Thomas Sparrow, M.·. W.·. Grand Master in the Chair, with 200 Subordinate Lodges represented, and the following Past Grand Officers present:

Past Grand Masters, Wm. B. Thrall, L. V. Bierce, Wm. B. Dodds, Geo. Rex, and Wm. Fielding; Past Deputy Grand Master M. D. Brock, and Past Senior Grand Warden, John M. Barrere.

He congratulates the Grand Lodge on the continued harmony and prosperity, in our jurisdiction calls attention to the rapid increase in numbers, and says the strength of Masonry is not in numbers alone but in its principles, and its prosperity in the character of its members. He calls attention to the "Charge of a Freemason," and says in times of great religion or political excitement there is danger they may be overlooked or neglected.

Dispensations were granted for four new Lodge as follows:
February 6, Belle Center, at Belle Center, Logan County
February 10, Salineville, at Salineville, Columbiana County
March 16, Wauseon, at Wauseon, Fulton County
May 21, Shelby, at Shelby, Richland County

On December 30 received a petition for a Dispensation for a Military Lodge in the 115th Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but it was informal, and not accompanied by the necessary certificates and vouchers, and was returned.

On January 12, a petition, without fee, was received for a Dispensation for a Lodge in the Ohio Brigade of the Army of the Cumberland, and the petitioners were informed that the regulations did not permit Military Lodges in a division of the army larger than a regiment.

On March 16, the Jewels and Aprons belonging to Candee Lodge attached to the 66th Regiment O. V. I. were received from Bro. James Williams to whom they had been delivered for that purpose by the surviving members of said Lodge. The warrant of dispensation was not surrendered nor have I been able to learn who has possession of it.

On April 1, a petition was received for a Dispensation for a Lodge in the 105th Regiment O. V. I., but it was not accompanied with the required vouchers and certificates, and same was not granted.

Calls attention to the history and present condition of the Military Lodges and their neglect to comply with the regulations prescribed by the Grand Lodge for their government.

The following Military Lodges have been established:
May 15, 1861, Pioneer, 4th Ohio Regiment
January 15, 1862, Benedict, 55th Ohio Regiment
January 18, 1862, Candee, 66th Ohio Regiment
January 27, 1862, Washington, 68th Ohio Regiment
February 22, 1862, Union, 82d Ohio Regiment
April 10, 1862, Ward, 17th Ohio Regiment
August 15, 1863, Shiloh, 77th Ohio Regiment

The first of these has made but one return to the Grand Lodge, and that in October, 1861. Though the regiment has been disbanded, the dispensation has not been returned to the Grand Secretary as the regulations require. The second made return, paid dues and surrendered its Dispensation and effects in October, 1863. The third, as just mentioned, has surrendered its Jewels and Aprons, but not its Dispensation. The rest have never made any report either to the Grand Lodge or its Officers. In view of these facts the Grand Master recommends that more efficient measures be taken to secure compliance with the regulations for Military Lodges.

On February 27 a petition was received for a dispensation for a Lodge at Fredericksburg, Knox County, but being informal, and not accompanied by either the fee or the consent and recommendation of the neighboring Lodges, was returned to the petitioners.

On same day a petition was received for a Dispensation for a Lodge at Somerton, Belmont County, but failing to furnish the consent of adjacent Lodges, or certificates required, the Dispensation was denied.

On April 16, petition received for a Lodge at El. more, Ottawa County, and on June 16 for a Lodge at Forest, Hardin County, both of which were too defective to warrant issuing the Dispensations.

On July 9, received petition for a Lodge at Jamestown, Greene County, which has recently been perfected and is referred to the Grand Lodge for action, and on July 23 a petition of 19 Brethren for a Lodge at Kingsville, Aslitabula County. The Grand Lodge in 1862 refused to grant a dispensation for a Lodge at this place because there were already seven Lodges in the county, and this petition was not granted.

A special proxy was issued at close of last session to Brother D. C. P. Terrill of Lima, authorizing him to constitute Ada Lodge, No.344, the only Lodge chartered at that communication, which duty he per-formed November 5.

Proxies were issued to open special communications of the Grand Lodge, as follows:

R.·. W.·. Bro. M. D. Brock to dedicate the Hall of Flushing Lodge, No.298. M.·. W.·. Bro. W. B. Thrall, to dedicate the Hall of Rubicon Lodge, No.237; M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. Fielding, to lay the corner stone of a new Hall for Boggs Lodge, No.292; all of which duties were promptly and properly performed.

The Grand Master on December 22, dedicated the Hall of Wellington Lodge, No.127, and installed its Officers; on June 9, laid the corner stone of a new Hall for Rising Sun Lodge, No.22; on June 24, dedicated the Hall of Palestine Lodge, No.158, and on August 24, the Hall of Rockton Lodge, No.316, aud congratulates the Grand Lodge that so many Subordinates are providing themselves with neat and commodious places of meeting.

In April an application was received from the members of Mercer Lodge, No. 121, asking permission to resume work. The Lodge had not assembled since 1860, the suspension of its functions being occasioned by the absence of its Officers and a large number of its active members in the service of their country. On payment of all arrearages and dues to the Grand Secretary a warrant was issued authorizing the Lodge after notice to its members, to assemble, elect Officers, and resume work under its Charter until the present session.

In May the Grand Master visited the Grand Lodge of Indiana, in session in Indianapolis, was received and treated with distinction and courtesy, and had the honor of installing the Officers of that Body.

In June he received a communication from a committee appointed by a convention of the Masonic Brotherhood assembled in Fairmount, West Virginia, February 22, asking his opinion of the propriety of forming a Grand Lodge for that state, to which he replied favorably, and in June the convention reassembled and elected Officers, and the Grand Lodge was organized.

During recess the Grand Master received numerous applications to confer degrees at irregular times, all of which were refused in view of the fact that the Grand Lodge in 1862 instructed the Grand Master to arrest the Charter of any Lodge violating Section 26 of the Code. In his opinion it would be inconsistent to arrest the Charter of one Lodge for the violation of this law and grant a dispensation to another to violate the same law, and he calls the attention of the Lodges to the laws and admonishes them that a strict compliance therewith will be required. "That it should be distinctly understood by the Officers of Subordinates, once for all, that Lodges are created for the benefit of Masons, and not for the accommodation of candidates; that there are no cases of emergency in this jurisdiction, and no Lodge has the power to make them; that every petition must take its regular course." He also calls attention to the diversity of opinion and practice in different Lodges as to the length of residence required before a petition can be received in a Lodge, and recommends the Grand Lodge to fix some stated time, and that uniformity be established throughout the jurisdiction.

He received from the parties who had the assets of Etna Lodge, No.212, in their possession on settlement $339.29 cash, which was turned over to the Grand Treasurer, and a note for $100.00, which is in process of collection.

Bro. Philip Klein, who had the Chillicothe property in charge rendered a statement for the year ending August 1, 1863, showing receipts including a balance of $56.63 on hand at last statement, $405.63; paid out $330.09, leaving a balance of $75.54; and a statement for the year ending August 1, 1864, showing receipts, including the balance last named of $500.94, and disbursements $477.72, of which $200.00 has been paid on the Ross note. Every effort has been made to dispose of the property, without success.

The Deputy Grand Master reports that on November 12, 1863, he issued a Dispensation for a new Lodge: North Bend Lodge, at Cleves, Hamilton County

On November 26, 1863, installed the Officers of the following Lodges in Cincinnati: N. C. Harmony, No.2; Miami, No.46; Lafayette, No.81; Cincinnati, No.133; McMillan, No.141; Cynthia, No.155. There exists among these Lodges a Lodge of Instruction in charge of Brother J. R. Blakemore, "a workman most rare," in which the Brethren meet regularly, and practice the work and rituals of the order.

The Grand Treasurer's report shows a balance on hand October 18, 1864, $4,508.14. The entire receipts were $10,617.11, which included the balance of $2,088.94 at last settlement, the sum of $483.60 received from John A. Hunter on Lancaster lots, and $339.29, received from Etna Lodge property.

The Grand Lodge approved the settlement of the Etna Lodge property by the Grand Master, and the Committee on the Chillicothe property, which is continued with power of sale.

The following Lodges were granted Charters:
Concordia, No.345, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County
North Bend, No.346, Cleves, Hamilton County
Belle Center, No.347, Belle Center, Logan County
Salineville, No.348, Salineville, Columbiana County
Wauseon, No.349, Wauseon, Fulton County
Shelby, No.350, Shelby, Richiand County

Dispensations were granted for new Lodges as follows: Kingsville, Ashtabula County; Jamestown, Greene County; and Elmore, Ottawa County.

The following were not granted: Somerton, Belmont County; Forest, Hardin County; Military in 105th O. V. L.

The Dispensation of the Grand Master allowing Mercer Lodge, No.121 to resume work under its Charter, was approved.

The Committee on Charters call attention to the repeated errors and omissions in the petitions for Dispensation and include in their report for the information of all, the six rules that must be strictly complied with, and which will, with the necessary forms, etc., be found on pages 82 to 84 of tho Book of By-Laws and Rules of the Grand Lodge.

The action of the Grand Master in granting Dispensations to Yeatman Lodge, No.162 to remove from Pendleton to Columbia, and to Forest Lodge, No.244 from Cherry Grove to Mt. Washington, and for the time to occupy Halls used by other societies under the restrictions prescribed by him, was approved and said Dispensations continued.

Bro. William Hacker, M.·. W.·. Grand Master, and Bro. H. C. Hazelrigg R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master of Masons in Indiana, being in the city were escorted to the Grand Lodge, received with appropriate honors, welcomed by Grand Master Sparrow, and given seats in the east. M.·. W.·. Grand Master Hacker responded in a feeling address, in which he spoke of his special interest in the growth of Masonry in Ohio, he having been initiated in St. John's, No.13, Dayton, Ohio.

Brother C. Moore presented a resolution constituting M.·. W.·. Wm. Hacker, Grand Master of Indiana, and R.·. W.·. H. G. Hazelrigg, Deputy Grand Master of Indiana, Honorary Members of this Grand Lodge, which was unanimously adopted. As a memorial of their visit the Honorary Members inscribed their official signatures and address upon the record of proceedings of the Grand Lodge.

Paddy's Run Lodge, No.264, having failed to pay Snow Lodge, No. 193, the amount ordered by this Grand Lodge at the 1861 communication (page 33 of proceedings 1861), its charter was suspended until full payment be made, and the Grand Master ordered to carry this order into effect, and the Grand Secretary was directed to notify Paddy's Run Lodge that it is in arrears for dues for two years and unless paid within a year its charter will be forfeited.

A committee of seven composed of Brothers Thomas Sparrow, G. M., of Columbus; Howard Matthews, D. G. M., Cincinnati; Wm. B. Thrall, P. G. M., of Columbus; W. B. Dodds, P. G. M., Cincinnati; Heman Ely, Elyria; James Murray, G. O., Perrysburg; and R. C. Lemmon, Toledo, was appointed to examine and report as to the propriety of a permanent location of the Grand Lodge, and the ways and means therefor, and report to the next session.

The Grand Secretary was ordered to issue a circular addressed to the Subordinate Lodges embodying the rule in relation to "hasty work" and ordering said rule to be entered upon their minutes and read in open Lodge.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence submitted its report covering 24 pages, and reviewing the proceedings of 18 Grand Lodges.

The "Conservators" having attempted to introduce their order and work in some of the Subordinate Lodges in this jurisdiction, a set of resolutions were adopted disapproving of the order, of any Brother of this state becoming a member thereof, and warning the Masters of every Lodge to conform to the work adopted and prescribed by this Grand Lodge.

A proposition was introduced to amend the seventh rule for Subordinate Lodges to increase the fees for the three degrees from twenty to thirty dollars, but not receiving a unanimous vote it was laid over to the next session.

Brother Joseph Benham Covert, who has served as Grand Tyler for sixteen consecutive years declining a reappointment, resolutions of thanks for his faithful, efficient and valuable labor and uniform courteous bearing toward all were unanimously adopted.

The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence submitted a report with resolutions and recommendations on several subjects, all of which were approved and adopted as follows:

I. Military Lodges. That the Rules and Regulations adopted at the 1861 communication authorizing the Grand Master to establish Military Lodges in Ohio Regiments during the pending war be repealed, and that the Dispensations of such Lodges as shall not, within three months, make the required returns to the Grand Secretary be revoked, and that the M.·. W.·. Grand Master give immediate notice to said Lodges of the action of the Grand Lodge in the premises, and see that its action in this behalf is strictly enforced.

II. The time necessary to constitute a residence under Rule 15, Subordinate Lodges. That no Lodge within this jurisdiction shall receive the petition of any applicant for the degrees, unless such applicant shall have resided one year within the jurisdiction of such Lodge.

Bro Thomas Sparrow was re-elected and installed M.·. W.·. Grand Master, and Howard Matthews, R.·. W.·. Deputy Grand Master. The Grand Officers were installed in ample form by M.·. W.·. William Hacker, Grand Master of Indiana, assisted by Bro. George Rex, M.·. W.·. Past Grand Master of Ohio, officiating as Grand Marshal. The next annual communication was fixed at Columbus, October 17, A. D. 1865.

Grand Lodge convened in Naughton Hall, Columbus, Tuesday, October 17, A. D. 1865, with M.·. W.·. Thomas Sparrow, Grand Master in the Chair, and 163 Subordinate Lodges represented, and the following Past Grand Officers present:

Past Grand Masters, W. B. Thrall, George Rex; Past Deputy Grand Master, M. D. Brock; Past Senior Grand Warden, John M. Barrere (1839); District Deputy Lecturers, John M. Barrere, No.1; Joseph M. Stuart, No.2; Edgar Hopkins, No.4; William M. Cunningham, No.5; and James S. Reeves, No.6. The following Lodges were not represented, and did not pay dues of 1865: Numbers 40, 59, 96, 98, 108, 186, 203, 204, 268, 282, 299, 318.

The Grand Master opened his address with an eloquent tribute to the wisdom, beauty, strength and stability of the Masonic Institution, and its benign influence in the civilization of the world.

On May 18 a Dispensation was granted for a new Lodge at Somerton, Belmont County.

Petitions were received for new Lodges at the following places:
July 17, Euclid, Cuyahoga County; August 30, Salem, Washington County; September 5, St. Paris, Champaign County; September 11, Edgerton, Williams County.

All these applications were too defective and informal to warrant favorable action, and they were submitted to the Grand Lodge for consideration.

The Grand Master constituted Concordia Lodge, No.345, and Shelby Lodge, No.350; and issued special proxies for the constitution of the other Lodges chartered at last communication, as follows:
R.·. W.·. Bro. Howard Matthews, North Bend Lodge, No.346
R.·. W.·. Bro. George Morton, Belle Center Lodge, No.347
R.·. W.·. Bro. Octavius Waters, Wauseon Lodge, No.349
Bro. Joseph R. Conrad, Salineville Lodge, No.348

The W. M. and J. W. of Wauseon Lodge, No.349, having removed from this jurisdiction, at the request of the Lodge, the Grand Master appointed Bro. Joseph Cable, W. M. and Bro. John Spillman, J. W.

He refers with deep sorrow to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, on April 15, and to the fact that, at the request of the Brethren in Cleveland, he granted a dispensation to them to appear in a public procession on the reception of his remains in that city, and he opened a special communication of the Grand Lodge at Columbus on their arrival there, and with Deputy Grand Master Howard Matthews and a large concourse of Brethren from all parts of the State, participated in the ceremonies held in that city.

Special proxies were issued to open the Grand Lodge in special communications, as follows:

R.·. W.·. and Rev. Bro. Thomas Guy, Grand Chaplain, to dedicate the Hall of Lake Shore Lodge, No.307; Rev. Bro. W. C. Huestis, to dedicate the Hall of East Townsend Lodge, No.322; M.·. W.·. Wm. B. Thrall, to dedicate the Hall of Center Star Lodge, No.11.

On August 15 the Grand Master in the presence of a large concourse of Brethren dedicated the Hall of Brainard Lodge, No.336, at Fremont, and delivered an address on the duties and obligations of Freemasons.

On February 15, receiving notice that the Hall, furniture, Charter and Jewels of Rushville Lodge, No.211 were destroyed by fire, a special dispensation was issued authorizing the Lodge to continue work until this session of the Grand Lodge.

The Hall occupied by Union City Lodge, No.270, in Union City, Darke County, Ohio, being unsafe and insecure and a proper Hall could not be obtained in that part of the town lying in this state, by and with the consent of the Grand Master and Grand Lodge of Indiana, the Grand Master issued a dispensation allowing said Lodge to remove to a building and work in that portion of the town which lies in the State of Indiana.

The Grand Master made an earnest effort to secure the dispensations, records, jewels and effects of the Military Lodges, but only succeeded in recovering the dispensations of Washington Lodge in the 68th Regiment O. V. I., and Ward Lodge in the 17th O. V. I. The following dispensations are still outstanding:

Pioneer Lodge in the 4th Ohio Regiment; Candee Lodge, in the 66th Ohio Regiment Union Lodge, in the 82d Ohio Regiment; Shiloh Lodge, in the 77th Ohio Regiment.

The Officers of these and all Military Lodges should remember that all funds, records, papers and property in their hands belong to the body which gave them existence, and should be strictly accounted for. The attention of the Grand Lodge is called to the necessity of defining the status of those Brethren who received a part of the degrees in these Lodges, the terms on which civil Lodges may confer the remaining degrees, and admit to membership those who have been made Master Masons.

The affairs of Etna Lodge are finally closed; the $100.00 note having been collected and paid over to the Grand Treasurer.

The Grand Lodge property at Chillicothe was advertised and offered, and not sold, but was subsequently sold at private sale to Bro. Dr. Truetschler for $2,600.00 on terms $1,000.00 cash, which was paid to the Grand Treasurer, $600.00 in one year, and $1,000.00 in two years, with interest. Bro. Philip Klein made settlement of rents collected and disbursements, showing a balance of $189.73 in his hands which was paid on the Ross note, which was a claim against said property, leaving a balance due on that note of $935.27, which was paid by the Grand Treasurer out of the purchase money.

The complaint of Snow Lodge against Paddy's Run Lodge was adjusted satisfactorily to both parties, it appearing that the latter had some equities in its favor.

On May 15 the Grand Master received a letter from M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. B. Thrall, Past Grand Master of Ohio, informing him that on the 10th of June he had been present at the organization and had in-stalled the Officers of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia, at Wheeling, and later received an official communication announcing the fact and requesting recognition.

The Grand Master received from the Grand Secretary of the M.·. W.·. Grand Lodge of Missouri, a copy of the preamble and resolutions adopted by said Grand Lodge at its annual communication May 22, 1865, proposing a general meeting of all the Grand Lodges of the country on the 4th Monday of September, 1866, to consider:

1. The condition of the fraternity in the United States and suggest such measures as shall fully harmonize and cement the whole in one grand and time-honored aim of being happy and communicating happiness.

2. To compare and correct whatever errors may have crept into our ritual during the past twenty years.

3. To suggest uniform remedy for the evils arising from hasty work.

This document with the Grand Master's reply is submitted to the Grand Lodge for action.

On January 7, the Grand Master drew an order on the Grand Treasurer in favor of Richard Nevin for $605.27 for printing the proceedings of the last annual communication.

Recommended, that Section 9 of Code be amended by providing that no petition for degrees shall be received by Lodges unless the required fee accompany it, and that Rule 23 in relation to Masonic Trials be revised and made more explicit.

Bro. Howard Matthews, Deputy Grand Master, presented his report stating that on December 7, 1864, he constituted North Bend Lodge, No.346, at Cleves, Hamilton County, and installed its Officers, and on December 27 installed the Officers of Lodges Nos. 2, 46, 81, 133, 141, 155 and 208, all located in Cincinnati, and delivered an address to the assembled Brethren.

He reports the Brethren of Cincinnati had recently formed a Masonic Library Association and have already collected about five hundred volumes, many of which are rare and valuable. He reported his visit to and settlement of the difficulty between Snow Lodge, No.193, and Paddy's Run Lodge, No.264, and says Paddy's Run Lodge, has been more sinned against than sinning, and also reports his visits to a large number of Lodges in the southern part of the state, and the uniform good fellowship existing therein. He discovered that Oxford Lodge was renting its Hall for balls, shows, political meetings, etc., and notified the Master to cease violating the Masonic Law in that particular, and recommends further legislation on the subject.

The Grand Treasurer submitted his annual report showing the balance on hand October 17, 1865, $5,710.59.

The Craft were directed to meet in Masonic Hall at two o'clock P. M. where the District Lecturers would exemplify the work. Bro. George T. Jones, P. M. of Cincinnati, through the Grand Secretary presented to the Grand Lodge a gavel with the following inscription on its silver plate:

"Wood from near the Tomb of Washington, to the Grand Lodge of Ohio, F. & A. M., by George T. Jones, P. M., Cincinnati, Ohio, October 17, A. L. 5865." Which was received and a vote of thanks tendered the donor.

Bro. J. R. Bailey, formerly of this jurisdiction, subsequently Past Grand Master of Masons of Oregon, resident of Corallis, Oregon, was introduced to the Grand Lodge, and provided with a seat in the east.

The Charter of Forest Lodge, No.294, was declared forfeited and the Grand Master ordered to take up the Charter, Jewels and effects of the Lodge.

A resolution was adopted requesting the Grand Master to attend the convention proposed by the Grand Lodge of Missouri, and that he be paid his expenses.

The report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence was presented by Bro. Wm M. Cunningham, chairman, and covers 22 pages. The admirable reports of Grand Master Sparrow, and Deputy Grand Master Matthews are highly commended in many jurisdictions.

The committee appointed at the last communication to report on the propriety of the Grand Lodge securing permanent quarters submitted their report, and on motion of Bro. Rex the committee was discharged from further consideration of the whole subject.

The Grand Lodge of West Virginia was recognized and hailed as a sister Grand Jurisdiction.

The committee on the death of the President made a patriotic report approving the sentiments of the Grand Master in his address and submitting proper resolutions, which were adopted and ordered printed.

The committee on the subject of dividing the state into districts and appointing District Deputy Grand Masters, presented a report covering three pages, and embodying thirteen resolutions prescribing their duties, etc., which report was laid over to the next annual communication for action.

The Committee on Jurisprudence submitted their report covering seven pages, which was adopted, the principal matters being: That all Lodges must pro-cure safe and suitable places of meeting and are absolutely forbidden to rent or lease their Halls except for Masonic purposes; or occupy rooms jointly with any other society, under penalty of suspension; that when the number of the members of any Lodge shall be less than the number required under Article XII of the Grand Lodge Constitution, the Grand Master shall arrest the charter, declare the same forfeited, and take possession of the same, together with its effects Those Brothers who have received all the degrees in Military Lodges may become members in any civil Lodge by producing satisfactory evidence to such Lodge that the Military Lodge has ceased to exist, that they are Master Masons and have paid all dues to such defunct Lodge, and passing the required ballot, and those who have received part of the degrees may in like manner apply for the remainder in any civil Lodge; no Lodge shall confer the first section of the E. A. degree, or the first section of the F. C. degree or the first or second section of the M. M. degree on more than one candidate at the same time.

Charters were granted to the following Lodges U. D.:
Portage, No.851, at Elmore, Ottawa County.
Jamestown, No.352, at Jamestown, Greene County.
Orion, No.353, at Kingsville, Ashtabula County.
Somerton, No.354, at Somerton, Belmont County.

A dispensation was granted for Pharos Lodge, at St. Paris, Champaign County.

Dispensations were refused on account of defective papers for the following: Salem Lodge, Washington County; Euclid Lodge, Cuyahoga County; Edgerton Lodge, Williams County; and Point Pleasant Lodge, Guernsey County.

The dispensation to Union City Lodge, No.270, to occupy Hall on Indiana side of town, was approved.

The Grand Secretary was instructed to have 3,000 copies of the address of the Grand Master at this session, the report of the Deputy Grand Master, the report of the Committee on the President of the United States, and the report of the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence, printed and distribute the same.

M.·. W.·. Thomas Sparrow, Grand Master, and all the present Grand Officers were re-elected and installed as such.

The next annual communication of the Grand Lodge was fixed at Toledo, October 16, A. D. 1866.

Grand Lodge convened in White's Hall, Toledo, Tuesday, October 16, A. D. 1866, Grand Master Thomas Sparrow in the Chair, all the Grand Officers present and 235 Lodges represented, and the following Past Grand Officers present:

Past Grand Masters, L. V. Bierce, George Rex; Past Deputy Grand Masters, Geo. Keifer, M. D. Brock; Past Senior Grand Warden) John M. Barrere (1839).

The Grand Master opened his address with a brief recapitulation of the leading principles of Freemasonry, which is well worth reading and careful consideration.

He announces the death of three Past Grand Masters of this jurisdiction, during the past year, as follows:

Brother Thomas Corwin, Past Grand Master, in the city of Washington, D. C., December 18, A. D. 1865. He was W. M. of Lebanon (Ohio) Lodge, No.26, in 1819; Grand Orator in 1821, and again in 1826; Deputy Grand Master in 1823, and again in 1827, and Grand Master in 1828. He was buried with Masonic honors at Lebanon.

Bro. William Blackstone Hubbard, Past Grand Master, died at his residence in the city of Columbus, Ohio, January 5, A. D. 1866, and his remains, followed by a large concourse of Brethren from all parts of the state, were buried in Green Lawn Cemetery, with Masonic Honors. He was Junior Grand Warden in 1843 and 1844; was elected Grand Master in 1850, and continued in that office until 1853, when he declined further service, and was Grand Master of the General Grand Encampment of Knights Templars of the United States from 1847 to 1856.

Bro. Lewis Cass, Past Grand Master, who died June 17, 1866, was a member of the convention which assembled in Chillicothe, on the 4th of January, A. D. 1808, for the purpose of forming this Grand Lodge, and introduced the resolution declaring that the measure was expedient. He was elected Deputy Grand Master at the next session, and served as Grand Master from the 4th of January, 1810, to the 5th of January, 1813, during which year he removed to the territory of Michigan, where the Brethren subsequently conferred on him the same Masonic honors he had achieved in Ohio.

Dispensations were granted by the Grand Master for the establishment of twelve new Lodges, as follows:

December 12, 1865, Kilwinning, at Cincinnati, Hamilton County
January 15, 1866, Edgerton, at Edgerton, Williams County
January 31, 1866, Swan, at New Mt. Pleasant, Vinton County
April 23, 1866, Sunsbury, at Beallsville, Monroe County
May 9, 1866, Middleport, at Middleport, Meigs County
May 26, 1866, Rufus Putnam, at Columbus Grove, Putnam County
June 4, 1866, Locust Grove, at Locust Grove, Adams County
June 8, 1866, Portland, at Portland, Jackson County
June 11, 1866, Attica, at Attica, Seneca County
June 15, 1866, Muskingum, at Uniontown, Muskingum County
July 12, 1866, Centreville, at Centreville, Gallia County
July 20, 1866, Goodale, at Columbus, Franklin County

A petition was received from Brethren at Forest, Hardin County, for a dispensation for a Lodge, a similar petition having been filed in 1864, and not granted on account of informalities (pages 18 and 38), and same is recommended, the fee having been in the hands of the Grand Treasurer since 1864.

Petitions were received for the establishment of new Lodges at the following places, but all being defective or perfected but a short time before this session they are referred to the Grand Lodge for action, viz.: Allensville, Allen County; New Matamoras, Washington County; Bedford, Cuyahoga County; Bellville, Richland County; Higginsport, Brown County; and Shanesville, Mercer County.

Learning that the Hall of Venice Lodge, No.200, was unfit for use for Masonic purposes the charter was suspended, and subsequently the suspension was removed and a dispensation issued authorizing the Lodge to meet in the Hall of Paddy's Run Lodge, No.264, at New London, Butler County; and as Amelia Lodge, No.299, at Amelia, Clermont County, could not secure a proper Hall at that place, a dispensation was issued empowering that Lodge to assemble and work in the Hall of Batavia Lodge, No.100, at Batavia, in the same county; neither of said dispensations to modify or affect the territorial jurisdiction of any of the Lodges.

On January 25, the charter, records, jewels and furniture of Rock Creek Lodge, No.277, at Morgan, Ashtabula County, were destroyed by fire, and on February 1 issued a dispensation authorizing said Lodge to continue work until the present session.

On account of discord in Miami Lodge, No.46, and a disregard of and failure to comply with the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master suspended the charter, and submits the matter on the report of the Deputy Grand Master to the Grand Lodge for action.

Proxies were issued to the following Brothers to constitute the Lodges chartered at the last communication:

M.·. W.·. Bro. Howard Matthews, Jamestown Lodge, No.352, at Jamestown, Greene County; R.·. W.·. and Rev. Thomas Guy, P. G. Chaplain, Orion Lodge, No.853, at Kingsville, Ashtabula County; R.·. W.·. Bro. R. McLane, of Barnesville, Somerton Lodge, No.354, at Somerton, Belmont County; R.·. W.·. Bro. Lewis Canfield, of Fremont, Portage Lodge, No.351, at Elmore, Ottawa County; all of which were promptly attended to.

Proxies were also issued to the following Brothers to open special communications of the Grand Lodge purposes set forth below:

R.·. W.·. Lewis Canfield, of Fremont, to dedicate the Hall of Oliver Hazard Perry Lodge, No.341; R.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. H. Drew, of Wauseon, to dedicate the Hall of Wauseon Lodge, No.349; R.·. W.·. Bro. Howard Matthews, D. G. M., to dedicate the Hall of Mansfield Lodge, No.35; R.·. W.·. Bro. Octavius Waters, to dedicate the Hall of Napoleon Lodge, No.256; W. Bro. Wm. M. Cunningham, of Newark, to dedicate the Hall of Reynoldsburg Lodge, No.340; M. Bro. Wm. B. Thrall, to lay the corner stone of the Lutheran Church, at Cireleville; R.·. W.·. Bro. Howard Matthews, D. G. M., to lay the corner stone of the Protestant Episcopal Methodist Church at Portsmouth.

Official notice of the organization of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia, and request for fraternal recognition received and submitted to the Grand Lodge.

Orders were drawn in favor of Richard Nevin for $716.00 for printing the proceedings of the last communication of the Grand Lodge, and for $181.98 for printing the extra copies of the documents ordered to be printed.

Owing to the death of Bro. Dr. Treutschler, purchaser of the Chillicothe property, the $600.00 due in August was not paid and his administrator has instituted proceedings for the sale of the property.

The Deputy Grand Master submitted his report:

On November 18, 1865, he constituted Jamestown Lodge, No.352, and on December 15, took charge of the charter, jewels and property of Forest Lodge, No.294, and turned them over to the Grand Secretary, said charter having been forfeited at the last (1865) session of the Grand Lodge.

Issued dispensations for new Lodges, as follows:

Excelsior, at Cincinnati; Marks, at Huron, Erie County; Point Pleasant, at Point Pleasant, Guernsey County; Pleasant Hill, at Newton, Miami County; and Tyrian, at Cleveland.

On February 22, dedicated a Hall at Mansfield to be occupied by Mansfield Lodge, No.35, and Venus Lodge, No.152, and on June 14, laid the corner stone of a church at Portsmouth, visited and installed the Officers of a number of Lodges.

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

The report of the Grand Treasurer shows a balance on hand of $8,813.80.

On recommendation of the Committee on Charters a new charter was ordered issued to Rock Creek Lodge, No.277, in lien of the one destroyed by fire, and a new charter to Fayette Lodge, No.107, in lieu of the old charter destroyed by water. Permission was granted to Aurelius Lodge, No.308 to remove from Macksburg, in Washington County, to Middleburg, Noble County, this change not to affect the territorial jurisdiction of Stafford Lodge, No.300, which has consented to such removal.

The agreement of Tiffin Lodge, No.320, and Sandusky Lodge, No.77, to consolidate under the name of Sandusky Lodge, No.77; No.320 to transfer its membership and effects to No.77, having been ratified by both Lodges, the same is ratified and approved by the Grand Lodge.

Dispensation was granted for new Lodges at New Matamoras, Washington County, named New Matamoras Lodge.

The petition for a dispensation for a Lodge at Allensville, Vinton County, was defective and the same was not granted.

Charters were granted to the following Lodges U. D.:
Pharos, No.355, at St. Paris, Champaign County
Kilwinning, No.356, at Cincinnati, Hamilton County
Edgerton, No.357, at Edgerton, Williams County
Swan, No.358, at New Mt. Pleasant, Vinton County
Marks, No.359, at Huron, Erie County
Point Pleasant, No.360, at Point Pleasant, Guernsey County
Pleasant Hill, No.361, at Pleasant Hill, Miami County
Sunabury, No.362, at Beallaville, Monroe County
Middleport, No.363, at Middleport, Meigs County
Rufus Putnam, No.364, at Columbus Grove, Putnam County
Locust Grove, No.365, at Locust Grove, Adams County
Portland, No.366, at Portland, Jackson County
Attica, No.367, at Attica, Seneca County
Muskingum, No.368, at Uniontown, Muskingum County
Excelsior, No.369, at Cincinnati, Hamilton County
Tyrian, No.370, at Cleveland, Cuyahoga County
Centreville, No.371, at Centreville, Gallia County
Goodale, No.372, at Columbus, Franklin County

The petitions of Moriah Lodge, No.105, to remove from Jacobsburg, Belmont County, to Powhatan Point, same county; and of Floral Lodge, No.260, to remove from Fitchville, Huron County, to New London, same county, were granted.

On recommendation of the Committee on Charters, dispensations were issued for new Lodges, as follows:
Higginsport, at Higginsport, Brown County
Shane's, at Shanesville, Mercer County
Bellville, at Bellville, Richland County
Bedford, at Bedford, Cuyahoga County

The petition for a dispensation for a Lodge at Gorham, Fulton County, was referred to the Grand Master for action.

The Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia was duly recognized as a sister Grand Lodge, and the right hand of fellowship and brotherly love extended to her.

The Grand Secretary was instructed to issue a circular to the Subordinate Lodges embodying the appeals from Portland, Maine, Columbia, S. C., and Richmond, Va., requesting contributions for their relief.

Brother Stephens presented a Bible belonging to a Masonic Lodge in Atlanta, Georgia, obtained from one not a Mason; and Brothers Pike and Newcomb of Toledo, presented a package of jewels belonging to a Lodge in Nashville, which they had secured from a party not a Mason, and requested the Grand Master to have them returned to the proper owners.

The Grand Lodge interdicted intercourse between the Brethren of this state and those of the District of Columbia on account of the Lodges in said district initiating persons residents of this and other states without the consent of the Lodges having jurisdiction over said persons.

The Grand Master was ordered to arrest the charter, and take possession of the effects of Amelia Lodge, No.299.

The charter of Miami Lodge, No.46, was restored on conditions, and the Worshipful Master of the Lodge deposed.

The proposition to redistrict the state and appoint District Deputy Grand Masters therein, laid over from last session, was considered and rejected, the committee reporting that in their opinion the present regulations are sufficient for the government of the Craft.

The Select Committee on the obituaries of Past Grand Masters Thomas Corwin, Lewis Cass, and William B. Hubbard, reported an appropriate testimonial to these distinguished Masons, which was approved, printed in the proceedings, and a testimonial page of the proceedings assigned to each, and the jewels of the Grand Lodge ordered to be draped in mourning until the next annual communication.

A committee was appointed to codify, arrange and index the laws and resolutions of the Grand Lodge and report to the next session.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence submitted its report covering fifty-four pages, reviewing the proceedings of twenty-nine Grand Lodges, some of them for two and three years, and of the Grand Encampment of the U. S. Knights Templars, the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the United States, and of the Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of America in a masterly manner, dealing with many important questions of Masonic law and usages, which is printed in full in the proceedings.

Brother Thomas Sparrow was re-elected M.·. W.·. Grand Master, and all the present elective Grand Officers were re-elected to fill their present stations, the Grand Officers installed, and Cincinnati selected as the place of holding the next annual communication and Tuesday, October 15, A. D. 1867, fixed as the time.

Grand Lodge convened at Hopkins' Hall, Cincinnati, Ohio, Tuesday, October 15, A. D. 1867, with Grand Master Thomas Sparrow in the Chair, all the Grand Officers (except Senior Grand Deacon, M. L. Rider) also Past Grand Masters, W. B. Dodds, George Rex; Past Deputy Grand Master, M. D. Brock, and Past Senior Grand Warden, John M. Barrere, present, and 235 Lodges represented. The Grand Master submitted and read his annual address. He constituted Goodale Lodge, No.372, at Columbus, and issued special proxies to the following Brothers to constitute the balance of the Lodges chartered at the last communication:

Brother A. Pearce, Swan Lodge, No.358, at New Mt. Pleasant; Bro. A. Slemmons, Rufus Putnam Lodge, No.364, at Columbus Grove; Bro. J. A. Weyer, Sunsbury Lodge, No.362, at Beallsville; Bro. Joseph Hunt, Centreville Lodge, No.371, at Centreville; Bro. A. T. Holcomb, Portland Lodge, No. 366, at Portland; Bro. A. H. Newcomb, Edgerton Lodge, No.357, at Edgerton; Bro. C. B. Loughead, Middleport Lodge, No.363, at Middleport; Bro. Howard Matthews, Kilwinning Lodge, No.356, at Cincinnati; Bro. John S. Smith, Attica Lodge, No.367, at Attica; Bro. John G. Norton, Marks Lodge, No.359, at Huron; Bro. J. C. Langston, Pleasant Hill Lodge, No.361, at Pleasant Hill; Bro. George H. Burt, Tyrian Lodge, No.370, at Cleveland; Bro. James S. Reeves, Muskingum Lodge, No.368, at Uniontown; M.·. W.·. Bro. Wm. Fielding, Pharos Lodge, No.355, at St. Paris; Bro. J. H. DeBruin, Locust Grove Lodge, No.365, at Locust Grove; Bro. Wm. Vanmeter, Point Pleasant Lodge, No.360, at Point Pleasant.

The Grand Master issued dispensations for sixteen new Lodges at the following places:
November 21, 1866, West Salem, at West Salem, Wayne County
December 29, Newburg, at Newburg, Cuyahoga County
January 12, 1867, Oberlin, at Oberlin, Lorain County
January 17, 1867, Hartsgrove, at Hartsgrove, Ashtabula County
February 5, 1867, Waynesburg, at Waynesburg, Stark County
February 5, 1867, Cardington, at Cardington, Morrow County
February 19, 1867, Litchfield, at Litchfield, Medina County
February 20, 1867, Berea, at Berea, Cuyahoga County
February 26, 1867, Wadsworth, at Wadsworth, Medina County
March 5, 1867, Gorham, at Gorham, Fulton County
March 28, 1867, Forest City, at Cleveland, Cuyahoga County
April 25, 1867, King's Creek, at Kingston, Champaign County
May 23, 1867, Harmar, at Harmar, Washington County
June 17, 1867, New Holland, at New Holland, Pickaway County
June 22, 1867, Mahoning, at Niles, Trumbull County
August 8, 1867, Sanford L. Collins, at Toledo, Lucas County

Petitions were also received for dispensations to open Lodges at Willshire, Van Wert County; Lowell Washington County; Leetonia, Columbiana County; Royalton, Fulton County; Sunbury, Delaware County; and Freeport, Harrison County; but the papers being defective or recently perfected they are submitted to the Grand Lodge for action.

The Hall of Orion Lodge, No.353, was destroyed by fire February 15, and a dispensation was issued authorizing the Lodge to meet in the Hall of Ever-green Lodge, No.222, at Conneaut.

Hazen Lodge, No.251, at Morristown, Belmont County, not being able to secure a safe room there a dispensation was issued authorizing it to resume and continue work at Belmont in the same county. The hall, charter and furniture of Tarlton Lodge, No.104, were destroyed by fire October 28, 1866, and a dispensation was issued authorizing it to continue work until the present session.

Learning that the Hall of Golden Rule Lodge, No.331, at Cherry Valley was unsafe and unfit for Masonic purposes, and that the business of the Lodge was not being properly conducted, the Grand Master on May 16 suspended the charter.

He announces the death of Senior Grand Deacon Milton L. Rider, in Cleveland, August 18, aged 31 years. He was made a Mason soon after attaining his majority in Cleveland City Lodge, No.15, over which he presided for three consecutive years, and at the time of his death was a member of Tyrian Lodge, No.370, of which he was one of the originators and founders.

He also announces the death of Brothers Platt Benedict, of Norwalk, who died at the advanced age of ninety-one years; of B. Lewis Wright of Xenia, and Jonas Ward of St. Marys, each of whom during their whole lives had exemplified in their daily walk and conversation the principles and teachings of Freemasonry.

On May 28th he, with the M.·. W.·. Grand Secretary, John D. Caldwell, visited the Grand Lodge of Indiana, then holding its fiftieth annual Grand Communication at Indianapolis, and were received with a hearty welcome, entertained with generous hospitality, and honored by having conferred on them Honorary Membership. Two out of the three surviving delegates, who had assisted in the formation and organization of the Grand Lodge, were present, and added to the interest of the occasion by recalling many reminiscences connected with the early history of Freemasonry in Indiana.

On June 12 he visited the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, then in session at Milwaukee, and was received with fraternal kindness, and accorded the honors due the Grand Master of Ohio.

On July 4, at the request of the Monumental Association of Fulton County, he laid the corner stone of a monument to be erected at Wauseon to the memory of the brave men of that county, who had fallen in the late Civil War. Hospitality and courtesy distinguished the Brethren of Wauseon and the citizens of the county on this occasion.

On the evening of August 6, he dedicated the elegant and commodious Hall of Steubenville Lodge, No.45, and Meridian Lodge, No.234, at Steubenville, now one of the most capacious and elegant Halls in the state.

Special proxies were issued to open the Grand Lodge in special communications, as follows:

R.·. W.·. Howard Matthews, to dedicate the Hall of Manchester Lodge, No.317; Bro. O. C. Miller, of Trowel Lodge, No.132, to lay the corner stone of' a new courthouse at Jackson, C. H., Jackson County.

On December 1, he sent to M.·. W.·. Bro. John Harris, Grand Master of Masons of Georgia, the Bible belonging to Atlanta Lodge, No.59, and requested him to return it to its owner. He complied, and I soon received from him a copy of the proceedings and resolutions adopted by the Lodge, expressing their gratitude and fraternal thanks to this Grand Lodge and Bro. Newcomb, of Toledo, for its discovery and restoration.

The jewels, etc., belonging to Lodges and Masonic bodies in Tennessee which were recovered by Brothers Pike and Newcomb, were sent to M.·. W.·. Bro. Thomas A. Hamilton, Grand Master of that state, on the 26th of November, and the proceedings of the Grand Lodge show they were received and a resolution of thanks adopted for their restoration.

In compliance with instructions at last session the charter of Miami Lodge, No.46 was restored, the Master deposed, work interdicted until after the election of Officers, and harmony now prevails in this Lodge.

The balance due from our late Bro. Dr. Treutschler on the purchase of the Chillicothe property, $1,731.25 has been collected and paid over to the Grand Treasurer.

The dispensation fee was returned to the petitioners for a Lodge at Allensville, as directed.

On January 10, being satisfied the Hall of Venice Lodge, No.200, had been made safe and suitable for Masonic purposes I revoked my order of January 29 previous, and authorized the Lodge by dispensation to elect Officers and resume labor.

On February 11 an order was drawn on Grand Treasurer in favor of Nevin & Myers for $793.75 for printing Grand Lodge proceedings of last year.

The Grand Master in closing his address, says:

"I have now filled the office of Grand Master for four successive years. Three only of my predecessors have occupied the position longer. I now ask to be relieved from the onerous duties of the office. It has been my effort to elevate the standard of qualifications for admission to the institution, to inspire a higher sense of the dignity of our profession, and to enforce a strict adherence to the principles and landmarks of the fraternity. If any measure of success has attended my exertions, I am fully rewarded for the time I have spent and the labor I have performed in the discharge of my duty."

The Deputy Grand Master reports that in November last he constituted Kilwinning Lodge, No.356, at Cincinnati, and installed the Officers, and compliments the membership and work; and in the same month be constituted Excelsior Lodge, No.369, and installed its Officers, and congratulates the Lodge in having for its first Worshipful Master, Bro. John R. Blakemore, the efficient Master of the Lodge of Instruction, whose ability as a ritualist is recognized by all. He also installed the Officers of the Cincinnati Lodge and a number of Lodges in the southern part of the state, and reports harmony existing in Miami Lodge, No.46.

Reports the following dispensations issued by him for new Lodges:

March 4, 1867, Vattier, at Cincinnati, Hamilton County
May 20, 1867, Martinsville, at Martinsville, Clinton County
July 1, 1867, Miami Valley, at Springboro, Warren County
July 2, 1867, Portsmouth, at Portsmouth, Scioto County

On February 22, 1867, dedicated the Hall of Manchester Lodge, No.317, at Manchester, Adams County.

On January 19 took charge of the charter and property of Amelia Lodge, No.299, at Amelia, Clermont County, in compliance with the order of the Grand Lodge at the 1866 session, and delivered them to the Grand Secretary. The jewels were sold by me for $18.00 which was turned over to the Grand Secretary.

The Grand Treasurer's report was submitted showing a balance on hand October 15, $11,053.64, and the balance due on the Chillicothe property, $1,731.25, making the total balance on hand $12,784.89.

M.·. W.·. Bro. Isaac T. Martin, Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of Kentucky, was introduced to the Grand Lodge, received with honors, and conducted to a seat in the east.

The Amendment to Section XVI of the By-Laws by which the salary of the Grand Secretary was increased from $500.00 to $800.00, was adopted, and the By-Laws so amended.

A proposition to increase the per diem from $2.00 to $3.00 did not receive a unanimous vote, and lies over to the next session.

A proposition to make the office of Deputy Grand Master appointive instead of elective, was lost.

A committee of three was appointed to procure an office for the Grand Secretary, disconnected with any other business, furnish it plainly, and render an account of same at next regular communication.

The Committee on Ways and Means reported adversely to appropriating $300.00 extra pay to the Grand Secretary, which was approved.

The following Lodges U. D. were granted charters:

Higginsport, No.373, at Higginsport, Brown County
Matamoras, No.374, at New Matamoras, Washington County
Bedford, No.375, at Bedford, Cuyahoga County
Bellville, No.376, at Bellville, Richland County
Shanes, No.377, at Shanesville, Mercer County
Senate, No.378, at Forest, Hardin County
Newburgh, No.379, at Newburgh, Cuyahoga County
Oberlin, No.380, at Oberlin, Lorain County
Litchfield, No.381, at Litchfield, Medina County
Berea, No.382, at Berea, Cuyahoga County
Waynesburg, No.383, Waynesburg, Stark County
Cardington, No.384, at Cardington, Morrow County
Wadsworth, No.385, at Wadsworth, Medina County
Vattier, No.386, at Cincinnati, Hamilton County
Gorham, No.387, at Gorham, Fulton County
Forest City, No.388, at Cleveland, Cuyahoga County
King's Creek, No.389, at Kingston, Champaign County
Harmar, No.390, at Harmar, Washington County
Martinsville, No. 391, Martinsville, Clinton County
New Holland, No.392, at New Holland, Pickaway County
Miami Valley, No.393, at Springboro, Warren County
Mahoning, No.394, Niles, Trumbull County
Portmouth, No.395, at Portsmouth, Scioto County
Sanford L. Collins, No.396, at Toledo, Lucas County
Hartsgrove, No.397, at Hartsgrove, Ashtabuia County; making 25 Lodges

The name of Wadsworth Lodge, No.74, located at Seville, was changed to Seville Lodge, No.74 for the reason that a Lodge had been granted at Wadsworth, named "Wadsworth."

The dispensations issued by the Grand Master to Orion Lodge, No.353, authorizing it to meet in. the Hall of Evergreen Lodge, No.222 at Conneaut, and to Hazen Lodge, No.251, authorizing it to meet at Belmont, were approved.

Dispensations were granted for new Lodges at the following places:

Sparrow, at Sunbury, Delaware County; Leetonia, at Leetonia, Columbiana County; Royalton Union, at Royalton, Fulton County; Lagrange, at Lagrange, Lorain County; and Willshire, at Willshire, Van Wert County.

Dispensations not allowed on account of defective papers: Freeport, Harrison County; Salem, Washington County; Lowell, Washington County.

A new charter was granted to Tarlton Lodge, No.104, in lieu of the one destroyed by fire.

A committee of seven was appointed to report at the next session on the expediency of locating this Grand Lodge at some central part of the state, in which to have a home, and a place to keep its archives, and hold its meetings.

The decisions of the Grand Master, eight in number, were approved.

The committee appointed at last session to arrange and codify the laws, resolutions, etc., reported a code, the report covering ten pages, and the same was approved and is printed in the proceedings (pages 137 to 148).

The Special Committee on obituaries of Brothers Platt Benedict, Lewis Wright and M. L. Rider, reported appropriate testimonials, which were adopted and printed in the proceedings (pages 149-153), and memorial pages for them and Bro. Jonas Ward were set aside in the record and proceedings.

The Foreign Correspondence Committee through Bro. Enoch T. Carson, Chairman, submitted its report covering sixty-five pages, and replete with interesting Masonic information, reviewing the proceedings of twenty-seven states, and giving the statistics of each Grand Lodge, with a condensed table showing the statistics of each at a glance, the whole forming a compendium of Masonry in the United States for the year past, and furnishing the Masonic student a mine of useful information. The report is highly commended by the Grand Master in his address.

Brother Howard Matthews, was elected and installed Grand Master, and the next annual communication of the Grand Lodge fixed at Dayton, Tuesday, October 20, A. D. 1868.

The Grand Lodge of Montana was duly recognized.

Grand Lodge convened in Huston Hall, Dayton, Tuesday, October 20, A. D. 1868, with M.·. W.·. Howard Matthews in the Chair, all the Grand Officers and the following Past Grand Officers being present:

Past Grand Masters, W. B. Thrall, Thomas Sparrow, W. B. Dodds, George Rex; Past Deputy Grand Masters, M. D. Brock; Past Senior Grand Wardens, John M. Barrere; and 265 Lodges represented. The Grand Master in his address reports:

Proxies were issued immediately after the last session to the following Brothers to constitute the 25 Lodges chartered thereat, as follows:

Peter L. Wilson, Higginsport Lodge, No.373, at Higginsport;
J. A. Weyer, Matamoras Lodge, No. 374, at New Matamoras;
Geo. W. Berry, Bedford Lodge, No.375, at Bedford;
Perkins Bigelow, Bellville Lodge, No.376, at Beliville;
J. D. Clark, Shanes Lodge, No.377, at Shanesville;
J. A. Aull, Senate Lodge, No.378, at Forest;
F. A. Hopkins, R.·. W.·. D. G. M., Newburgh Lodge, No.379, at Newburgh;
Heman Ely, Oberlin Lodge, No.380, at Oberlin;
H. Bronson, Litchfield Lodge, No.381, at Litchfield;
G. H. Adams, Berea Lodge, No.382, at Berea;
J. W. Under-hill, Waynesburg Lodge, No.383, at Waynesburg;
A. K. Durow, Cardington Lodge, No. 384, at Cardington;
C. A. Collins, Wadsworth Lodge, No.385, at Wadsworth;
Thos. Sparrow, P. G. M., Vattier Lodge, No.386, at Cincinnati;
R. C. Lemon, Gorham Lodge, No.387, at Gorham;
C. A. Woodward, Forest City, No.388, at Cleveland;
A. F. Vance, Kings Creek, No.389, at Kingston;
Geo. T. Hovey, Harmar Lodge, No.390, at Harmar;
J. M. Barrere, Martinsville Lodge, No.391, at Martinsville;
N. T. Bradford, New Holland Lodge, No.392, at New Holland;
Otho Evans, Miami Lodge, No.393, at Springboro;
Edward Spear, Mahoning, No.394, at Niles;
Erastus Burr, Portsmouth Lodge, No.395, at Portsmouth;
R. C. Lemon, Sanford L. Collins Lodge, No.396, at Toledo;
Henry Talcott, Hartsgrove Lodge, No.397, at Hartsgrove.

All the above proxies promptly attended to the duties assigned to them, and reported a flattering degree of prosperity in these young members of our Masonic family.

The Grand Master issued dispensations for new Lodges at the following places:
December 7, 1867, Blanchard, at Findlay, Hancock County
January 8, 1868, Mystic, at Dayton, Montgomery County
January 8, 1868, Pataskala, at Pataskala, Licking County
January 16, 1868, Orange, at Leesburg, Carroll County
February 26, 1868, Ashley, at Ashley, Delaware County
February 27, 1868, Sandy Valley, at Hanoverton, Columbiana County
March 3, 1868, Hamilton, at Hamilton, Butler County
April 7, 1868, Warner, at Xenia, Greene County
April 10, 1868, Harrisonville, at Harrisonville, Meigs County
May 2, 1868, Anchor, at Painesville, Lake County
May 12, 1868, Galion, at Galion, Crawford County
May 22, Fort Black, at New Madison, Darke County
May 30, 1868, Freeport, at Freeport, Harrison County
June 30, 1868, East Palestine, at East Palestine, Columbiana County
July 13, 1868, Benton, at Benton, Hancock County
July 27, 1868, Madisonville, at Madisonville, Hamilton County
July 30, 1868, Carey, at Carey, Wyandot County
June 23, 1868, Caledonia, at New Albany, Franklin County
August 19, 1868, Bloomfield, at Sparta, Morrow County
August 19, 1868, Yellow Springs, at Yellow Springs, Greene County;. 20 Lodges in all.

Petitions were received for dispensations at Deers ville, Harrison County, and Summerfield, Noble County, but being defective are referred to the Grand Lodge for action.

During recess a number of District Lecture Conventions were held, at least one in each district, all but one being attended by the Grand Master, with good results.

Special proxies were issued to open special convocations of the Grand Lodge to dedicate buildings, etc., as follows:

Bro. S. A. Carnes, to dedicate Hall of Pleasant Hill Lodge, No.361; P. G. M. Thos. Sparrow, to dedicate Hall of Miami Lodge, No.311; Bro. J. D. O'Conner, to dedicate Hall of Eden Lodge, No.310; Bro. J. R. Conrad, to dedicate Hall of Alliance Lodge, No.271; P. G. M. Thos Sparrow, to dedicate Halls of Amity Lodge, No.5, Zanesville, and Lithopolis Lodge, No.169, at Lithopolis; M.·. W.·. Wm. J. Reese, to dedicate the Hall of Lancaster Lodge, No.57; Bro. Robert Gwynn, to lay the corner stone of a public schoolhouse at Bucyrus, Crawford County R.·. W.·. A. H. Newcomb, S. G. W., to lay the corner stone of a public schoolhouse in Stryker, Williams County; Bro. R. J. Alexander, to lay corner stone of a new courthouse at Woodsfield, Monroe County; all of which were promptly performed and reported.

The Hall, charter, jewels and furniture of Western Sun Lodge, No. 91, at Wheelersburg, Scioto County, were destroyed by fire November 30, 1867, and on December 6, issued a dispensation empowering the Lodge to continue work until the present session. This is the second time within four years.

Drew an order in favor of Nevin & Myers on Grand Treasurer for $812.02 in payment for printing Grand Lodge proceedings of last session, and for $48.53 for printing 1,000 copies of Revised Code and 100 copies of F. C. Report.

Donated to the Library of Grand Lodge of Nebraska a set of our Republished Proceedings, and suggests that we should take immediate steps to form and procure a library to be added to from time to time, and special attention should be paid to securing and preserving the portraits or cabinet photographs of such Past Grand Masters and other Grand Officers of Ohio, as can be obtained. If this suggestion had been acted on the Grand Lodge would now be in possession of photographs, or cuts, of practically all of its Past Grand Officers.

The recognition of the new Grand Lodges of Idaho and New Brunswick are recommended.

Announces the deaths of Bro. Thomas Orr, of Chillicothe, and of M.·. W.·. Bro. Chester Griswold, Past Grand Master of Ohio, and M. F. Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio, and calls attention to the fact that he was elected Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge at his first appearance therein, and as Grand Master in 1818. Committees were appointed to report testimonials to these distinguished Brethren.

The Grand Master visited the Grand Lodge of Indiana at its session in Indianapolis last May, and Griswold and Bro. Thomas Orr, reported proper testimonials, which were adopted and printed in the proceedings, and memorial pages set apart in the records and proceedings to their memory.

The holding of Masonic District Conventions was approved.

The proposition to strike the word "Wardens" from the second article of the Grand Lodge Constitution submitted to the Subordinate Lodges was only voted on in 259 Lodges, 143 voted in favor and 116 against it. Not receiving the requisite number of votes it was resubmitted to the Lodges, and all the Lodges instructed to vote on the proposition.

The proposition to amend Section XVIII of the Grand Lodge By-Laws to increase the per diem from $2.00 to $3.00 was adopted by more than a two-thirds vote, and the By-Laws so amended.

The membership of Tarlton Lodge No.104 being reduced to five, the Grand Master was directed to reclaim the charter and effects.

'The Lodges in this jurisdiction were prohibited under any pretense from permitting their Halls to be used for the purpose of conferring the side degrees called "Adoptive Masonry."

Rule 15 was amended authorizing a member to withdraw his membership in a Lodge without subjecting himself to Masonic discipline, and until he affiliates he renounces all claims to the benefits of the Lodge organization.

Charters were granted for new Lodges at the following places, 25 new Lodges:

West Salem, No.398, West Salem, Wayne County
Lagrange, No.399, Lagrange, Lorain County
Sparrow, No.400, Sunbury, Delaware County
Leetonia, No.401, Leetonia, Columbiana County
Willshire, No.402, Willshire, Van Wert County
Blanchard, No 403, Findlay, Hancock County
Pataskala, No. 404, Pataskala, Licking County
Mystic, No.405, Dayton, Montgomery County
Orange, No.406, Leesburg, Carroll County
Ashley, No.407, Ashley, Delaware County
Sandy Valley, No.408, Hanoverton, Columbiana County
Hamilton, No.409, Hamilton, Butler County
Warner, No.410, Xenia, Greene County
Harrisonville, No.411, Harrisonville, Meigs County
Painesville, No.412, Painesville, Lake County
Fort Black, No.413, New Madison, Darke County
Galion, No.414, Galion, Crawford County
Freeport, No.415, Freeport, Harrison County
Caledonia, No.416, New Albany, Franklin County
East Palestine, No.417, Fast Palestine, Columbiana County
Benton, No.418, Benton Ridge, Hancock County
Madisonville, No.419, Madisonville, Hamilton County
Carey, No.420, Carey, Wyandot County
Yellow Springs, No.421, Yellow Springs, Greene County
Bloomfield, No.422, Sparta, Morrow County

Painesville Lodge, No.412, was named "Anchor" in the dispensation, but there being a Lodge of that name already on the roll, it was changed to "Painesville" by the Grand Lodge.

Royalton Union Lodge U. D. located at Royalton, Fulton County, was refused a charter.
Western Sun Lodge, No.91, was granted a duplicate charter in place of the original destroyed by fire.

The By-Laws of Acadia Lodge, No.306, were approved, except Article XVII, which proposed to charge the members of other Lodges who visited this Lodge more than three times, twenty-five cents a meeting, the committee reporting "It would be a new feature in Masonry if a Lodge has the right to charge a Master Mason in good standing the sum of twenty-five cents for the privilege of visiting a Lodge more than three times, and thereby limit the inalienable right of a Mason or infringe on the ancient landmarks."

The action of the Grand Master in arresting the charter of Flushing Lodge, No.298, for conferring degrees after a protest had been filed, etc., was approved, and the matter left in the hands of the Grand Master for further action.

The committee as to a permanent location for the Grand Lodge was continued. The Grand Master's decisions were approved.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence submitted its report covering over 36 pages, and reviewing 32 Grand Lodge proceedings, which was highly commended by the Grand Master, and is published in the proceedings.

Brother Howard Matthews, M.·. W.·. Grand Master, and all the present elective Officers were reelected and installed in their present stations, and the next annual communication fixed at Cleveland, October 19, A. D. 1869.

Grand Lodge convened in Lyceum Hall, Cleveland, Tuesday, October 19, A. D. 1869, with Grand Master Howard Matthews in the Chair, all the Grand Officers, and the following Past Grand Officers, Past Grand Masters, Wm. B. Dodds, Thos. Sparrow; Past Deputy Grand Master M. D. Brock; Past Senior Grand Warden, John M. Barrere, present and 252 Lodges represented.

The Grand Master read his official communication, reporting that: Commissions were issued to competent Brethren at the close of the last session to constitute the Lodges chartered at that session, all of whom have made satisfactory reports.

Dispensations have been issued for new Lodges at the following places:

November 7, 1868, Fly, at Vermilion, Erie County
November 20, 1868, Summerfield, at Summerfield, Noble County
January, 1869, Green Springs, at Green Springs, Seneca County
January 28, 1869, Gerard, at Newtown, Hamilton County
January 7, 1869, Constitution, at Marshfield, Athens County
February 2, 1869, Masterton, at Masterton, Monroe County
April 7, 1869, Cedar, at Orrville, Wayne County
June 2, 1869, Eagle, at Canton, Stark County
June 25, 1869, Bluifton, at Bluifton, Allen County
June 26, 1869, Genoa, at Genoa, Ottawa County
July 3, 1869, Royalton Union, at Royalton, Fulton County
July 31, 1869, J. B. Covert, at Withamsville, Clermont County
August 5, 1869, New Harmony, at New Harmony, Brown County
September 22, 1869, Lowell, at Buells, Washington County

Petitions were also received for Lodges at Shiloh, Richland County; Gustavus, Trumbull County; Pioneer, Williams County; Brandt, Miami County; and Hicksville, Defiance County; but were defective or recently presented, and are referred to the Grand Lodge for action.

Proxies were issued for the dedication of Halls for the following Lodges: Winchester, No.236; Thrall, No.170; Bloomfield, No.422; Fayette, No.107; Wadsworth, No.385; Marathon, No.203; Mt. Sterling, No.269; Chardon, No.93; West Salem, No.398; Smithfield, No.182; Canton, No.60; all of which were duly executed and favorably reported.

Roscoe Lodge, No.190, at Roscoe, Coshocton County, surrendered its charter and the Grand Master took charge of its effects, which have been sold and the proceeds turned over to the Grand Secretary.

The effects of Tarlton Lodge, No.104, which forfeited its charter, were sold for $30.00 and the proceeds divided between two orphan children of members of the Lodge.

The Hall of Caledonia Lodge, No.416, at New Albany, was destroyed by fire and a dispensation was issued authorizing the Lodge to continue work in the Hall of Center Lodge, No.326, at Johnstown, Licking County, until the present session, and recommend duplicate charter be granted. The Hall of Hildreth Lodge, No.165, at Republic, Seneca County, recently refitted at considerable expense, was destroyed by fire together with their charter and all their effects, leaving them bankrupt, and recommend assistance be given them from other Lodges, and that a new charter be granted.

On November 15, 1868, the Grand Master laid the corner stone of the State Lunatic Asylum at Athens, in accordance with Masonic usage. An oration was delivered by P. G. M. Wm. B. Thrall. On May 29, 1869, the Grand Master laid the corner stone of Soldiers and Sailors Monument of Jefferson County, at Steubenville, assisted by the Grand Secretary, J. D. Caldwell, and S. G. D. S. C. Pyle and the Brethren of Steubenville and vicinity.

The impressive exercises were witnessed by thousands of people from eastern Ohio, western Virginia and western Pennsylvania, the largest gathering ever held in Steubenville.

Calls the earnest attention of the Grand Lodge to the subject of providing a Home under the patronage of the Grand Lodge, for a class of unfortunates which has largely increased since the war, and it behooves us to make some provisions for their comfort. He suggests laying a per capita tax of $1.00 a member per year until a sufficient sum is raised.

District conventions were held at Piqua, Morrow, Galion, Lancaster, Toledo and Massillon, which were largely attended, the work exemplified and much good to the Craft resulted.

Calls attention to the fact that public discussions were held on the merits and demerits of Masonry, but doubts the propriety and suggests they are not in accordance with the avowed objects and principles of the Order.

Calls the attention of the Grand Lodge to a matter of "much interest to the Craft, not only in this but in every other jurisdiction in the United States; the establishment in the state of Louisiana of a body styling itself The Supreme Council of the A. A. S., Rite of the sovereign and independent state of Louisiana, claiming for itself the right to establish Symbolic Lodges in that state thereby infringing the territorial jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, when at the time of its claimed establishment and long before, there existed and still exists a regular Grand Lodge of Louisiana, having sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the symbolic degrees, etc.," and says further: "We owe it to ourselves to speak in terms that can not be misunderstood on this important subject for the reason that what is the experience of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana today may be that of the Grand Lodge of Ohio tomorrow. The great principle on which every Grand Lodge is founded is that it must be supreme, admitting of no rivalry, and any Lodge existing by any other authority is clandestine and irregular. This is the generally recognized law of Masonry throughout this country." * * *

"I have received from the Grand Lodge of Louisiana a circular denouncing this invasion of her jurisdiction, * * *, and appealing to her sister Grand Lodges to assist her in maintaining her sovereignty in her own territory, and we can not be unmindful of her appeal."

The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence to whom this matter was referred submitted its report (page 66), in which it decides that the Grand Lodge of Louisiana having been legally organized and recognized by other Grand Lodges long prior to the establishment of the so-called Supreme Council A. A. S. R., is entitled to exclusive jurisdiction over the symbolic degrees in the state of Louisiana, and that all other bodies professing to work the symbolic degrees within its jurisdiction without the sanction of its authority are spurious and should not be recognized, etc. That a Grand Lodge once having acquired territorial jurisdiction over a state can not have any part of the same taken from it without its consent. Its jurisdiction is exclusive and any other organization assuming to interfere with it is spurius and clandestine, and presented resolutions sustaining the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, declaring the other body clandestine and inter-dieting intercourse with it and its members, which report and resolutions were adopted.

The action of our Grand Lodge was sustained by practically every Grand Lodge in the United States before whom the question was brought, and the doctrine of exclusive jurisdiction settled in the United States, as the law of its Grand Lodges.

The Grand Treasurer's report shows a balance on hand October 19, $12,414.15, and that the expenses exceeded the receipts $1,423.27.

In the afternoon a Grand Procession was participated in by the Officers and members of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Chapter R. A. Masons of Ohio, and the Grand Commandery of K. T. of Ohio, escorted by the Knights of the following Commanderies of Knights Templars: Detroit, Michigan; Buffalo, N. Y.; Reed, of Dayton; and Oriental, of Cleveland. The exercises were conducted at Case hall where Bro. 3. Kelly O'Neall, R.·. W.·. Grand Orator, delivered an address, which is printed in the appendix. The hospitality of Oriental Commandery, No.12, was enjoyed at a sumptuous banquet at the rink in the evening.

The committee to canvass the vote of the Lodges on the proposition to strike the word "Wardens" from Article II of the Grand Lodge Constitution reported 265 Lodges voted, of which 162 voted against and 103 in favor of the proposition, making a majority against of 59, 50 the proposition was declared lost and the word remains in the Constitution.

Brother Augustus Stone, a veteran member of American Union Lodge, No.1, a Mason since the first year of this century, was introduced to and welcomed by the Grand Lodge.

A duplicate charter was issued to Rushville Lodge, No.211, in lieu of the original destroyed by fire.

The committee on revising the Code, reported a number of corrections which were adopted and the committee continued. The report is printed in the proceedings (pages 68 to 70).

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence submitted their report covering 27 pages, and reviewing the proceedings of 35 Grand Lodges, which is printed in the appendix to the proceedings.

It discusses the question of physical qualifications, at length, devotes over five pages to the review of the infringement of the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, and the action of the so-called Supreme Council, and the Grand Orient of France, reviews the long established precedents and laws of the Masonic Bodies in the United States, and fortifies and approves the action of our Grand Master and Grand Lodge as the true Masonic law on the subject.

Refers to the corner stone of the New Masonic Temple at Philadelphia, Pa., laid by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on June 24, A. D. 1868, with great pomp and ceremony, and inserts in full the eloquent address of Grand Master, Richard Vaux. Congratulates the Grand Lodges of Virginia and West Virginia on the final settlement of their controversies, and the recognition by Virginia of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia and the establishment of fraternal relations between them.

A communication from P. G. M. L. V. Bierce, in regard to colored Lodges of Masons in Ohio, accompanied by a petition from Wm. T. Boyd as Grand Master of the Colored Grand Lodge of Ohio, was presented and referred to a special committee who reported the following preamble and resolution for adoption:

Whereas, This Grand Lodge is disposed to do justice to all men without regard to color, race, or religion, therefore:

Resolved, That the resolution adopted by this Grand Lodge in 1847, and which is as follows: "Resolved, That in the opinion of this Grand Lodge, it would be inexpedient and tend to ruin the present harmony of the fraternity to admit any persons of color, so-called, in the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge," be and the same is hereby rescinded, which was adopted, and the committee continued to the next convocation of the Grand Lodge with instructions to report further.

Memorandum

The Grand Master to prevent any misunderstanding in regard to the adoption of this preamble and resolution, issued the following circular and notice to the Subordinate Lodges, and had the same printed in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge for 1869, immediately preceding the index, page 173.

Persons of Color - Proceedings of 1847

"The repeal at the last session of the Grand Lodge of Ohio of the resolution passed by the Grand Lodge in 1847, page 41 of the proceedings, does not admit of colored Masons visiting our Lodges, nor does it give permission to members belonging to our jurisdiction to visit colored Lodges in this state, as they are not recognized by the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Any member so visiting subjects himself to Masonic discipline. All Lodges of Masons in this state not having received their charters from the Grand Lodge of Ohio are to be considered clandestine Lodges and their members clandestine Masons, and in no case to be recognized until so ordered by the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Masters of Lodges in this state will be sure to call the attention of their members to this notice and see that it is strictly observed, as the repeal of said resolution might tend to mislead.

"The attention of Masters of Lodges in Ohio is particularly called to rules for the government of Subordinate Lodges, on pages 68 and 69 of the proceedings of 1869, and cause them to be read in their Lodges, also the Constitution, Rules, etc., that none may plead ignorance of the same.

ALEXANDER H. NEWCOMB, Grand Master

Charters were granted to the following Lodges:
Deersville, No.423, at Deersville, Harrison County
Ely, No.424, at Vermilion, Erie County
Summerfield, No.425, at Summerfield, Noble County
Green Spring, No.427, at Green Spring, Sandusky County
Constitution, No.426, at Marshfleld, Athens County
Gerard, No.428, at Newtown, Hamilton County
Masterton, No.429, at Masterton, Monroe County
Cedar, No.430, at Orrville, Wayne County
Eagle, No.431, at Canton, Stark County
Bluifton, No.432, at Bluifton, Allen County
Genoa, No.433, at Genoa, Ottawa County
Royalton Union, No.434, at Royalton, Fulton County
New Harmony, No.435, at New Harmony, Brown County
Lowell, No.436, at Buells, Washington County

Dispensations granted:
Ionic, at Bellaire, Belmont County; Thatcher, Euclid, Cuyahoga County. Dispensation to J. B. Covert Lodge, was continued; to Pioneer Lodge, returned for correction; Tontogany, Wood County, referred to the Grand Master, and those for Gustavus, Trumbull County; Shiloh, Richland County; and Hicksville, Defiance County, being defective, were not granted, and that for £eptha Lodge, at Lockland, Hamilton County, was refused by the Grand Lodge.

On application of Cumminsville Lodge, No.253, its name was changed to Hoffuer Lodge, and a new charter was ordered issued in lieu of the original which became accidentally damaged. Duplicate charters were ordered issued to Hildreth Lodge, No.165, and Caledonia Lodge, No.416, in lieu of the originals destroyed by fire, and the action of the Grand Master in relation to said Lodges was approved.

In the matter of Fielding and Mystic Tie Lodges, each claiming No.192, the Grand Lodge finds Fielding was first chartered, April 24, 1850, and entitled to No.192, and the Grand Secretary assigned No.194 to Mystic Tie.

Ordered that fifteen hundred copies of the Charges of a Freemason, the Constitution and the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, and the Rules for the government of Subordinate Lodges, be printed separately, and three copies sent to each Lodge, the balance deposited with the Grand Secretary for the use of the Grand Lodge, and the Grand Secretary was authorized to have the proceedings of the Grand Lodge printed and distributed.

The Jurisprudence Committee reported that an expelled Brother can not on his restoration be charged with dues during the term of his expulsion, which was approved.

Brother Alexander H. Newcomb of Toledo, was elected Grand Master, and Bro. Philip M. Wagenhals of Lancaster, Deputy Grand Master, and they with the other Grand Officers were duly installed. The next annual communication was fixed at Springfield, Tuesday, October 18, A. D. 1870.

Grand Lodge convened at Black's Music Hall, Springfield, Tuesday, October 18, A. D. 1870, with Grand Master Alexander Newcomb in the Chair, all the Grand Officers, the following Past Grand Officers, Past Grand Masters, Wm. Fielding, W. B. Thrall, L. V. Bierce and Thos. Sparrow; Past Deputy Grand Masters, Geo. Keifer and M. D. Brock; and Past Senior Grand Warden, W. M. Barrere (1839), and all the District Lecturers, present, and 260 Lodges represented.

The Grand Master in his address reports that he constituted Genoa Lodge, No.433, and Royalton Union Lodge, No.434, and installed their Officers; and issued proxies to competent Brothers to constitute the remainder of the Lodges chartered at the last session, and they had performed the duties assigned to them, and he has favorable reports from these Lodges.

That he had dedicated the following Masonic Halls:

December 8, 1869, Hall of Science Lodge, at Sandusky City; December 21, 1869, Hall of Shelby Lodge, No.350; January 5, 1870; Hall of Wood County Lodge, No.112, at Bowling Green; January 17, 1870, Hall of Phoenix Lodge, No.123, at Perrysburg; February 9, 1870, Hall of Riddle Lodge, No.315, at East Liverpool; February 22, 1870, Hall of On July 4, 1870, he laid the corner stone of the Central Lunatic Asylum at Columbus, according to ancient Masonic usage; Bro. Bellamy Storer of Cincinnati, delivered an address.

On August 9, laid the corner stone of the courthouse at Bellefontaine, Ohio, the address being delivered by Rev. Bro. Van Cleve of Cincinnati.

On September 27, laid the corner stone of a courthouse to be erected in the city of Mansfield, Richland County, the contract price being $175,000.00. Bro. Judge Brinkerhoff delivered a historical address.

Special proxies were issued to the following Brothers to dedicate Halls, and lay corner stones:
May 12, Bro. Thos. Sparrow, P. G. M., to lay the corner stone of the Jewish Synagogue at Columbus, May 15; J. Q. Mitchell, to lay the corner stone of a Soldiers Monument at Pomeroy, on May 30; June 13, S. S. Williams to dedicate the Hall of Lone Star Lodge at Newcomerstown, on June 30; Bro. Oakley Case, to lay the corner stone of Hall for Swan Lodge, at New Mount Pleasant, June 24; J. H. DeBruin, to dedicate Russellville Lodge Hall, June 24, all of which were duly performed.

January 13, the Grand Master visited the Grand Lodge of Michigan, then in session at Detroit, and was received with fraternal kindness and treated with courtesy and distinction.

Dispensations were granted for new Lodges, as follows:
At the last communication the petitions from Tontogany Lodge, Wood County, and Gustavus Lodge, Trumbull County, were referred to me for action, and after investigation and being satisfied, dispensations were issued, also to Pioneer Lodge, Williams County, and to the following:

April 20, 1870, New Lyme, at New Lyme, Ashtabula County
May 4, 1870, Crawford, at Bucyrus, Crawford County
June 7, 1870, Prospect, at Middletown, Marion County
June 8, 1870, Monitor, at Delhi, Hamilton County
July 26, 1870, Oliver, at Caledonia, Marion County
July 26, 1870, Gage and Gavel, at Chandlersville, Muskingum County
September 17, 1870, Mt. Washington, at Mt. Washington, Hamilton County
September 17, Bloomingburg, at Bloomingburg, Fayette County; making 12 dispensations granted.

Dispensations have been granted only after due inquiry and a number of petitions received have been refused and returned, not deeming it for the best interests of the Fraternity to grant their requests.

The Grand Master again calls attention to the subject of a home for the widows and orphans of deceased Brothers, and makes a number of pertinent suggestions on the subject.

The committee on this subject through Bro. P. M. Wagenhals, D. G. M., reported a plan to establish the home, and providing for the appointment of a Board of Trustees, and authorizing it to solicit donations, etc., the Board to serve without pay, etc., which was adopted and the Board of Trustees appointed and confirmed.

The Lodge room of Fly Lodge, No.424, was destroyed by fire September 8, together with the charter and jewels, and a special dispensation was issued authorizing them to continue work until this session.

Announces the death of Past Grand Master Howard Matthews, at Cincinnati, March 16, 1870, and his funeral from the Masonic Temple conducted by the Masonic Fraternity in large numbers from different parts of this state and Kentucky.

Also the death of Dr. Asa Coleman, of Troy, who was made a Mason in 1808, and was a charter member of Franklin Lodge, in 1812, and its first Worshipful Master.

Calls attention to the organization of the Grand Lodge of Quebec, and the differences between it and the Grand Lodge of Canada; also refers to the subject of "Colored Masons," which was brought up at last meeting and continued to this.

Brother P. M. Wagenhals, D. G. M., presented his report that be had issued a dispensation for a new Lodge on November 15, 1869, at New Bremen, Auglaize County.

He presents an eloquent and fervent appeal to the Grand Lodge on behalf of the proposed Widows' and Orphans' Home.

The Grand Treasurer's report shows a balance on hand October 18, 1870, $11,805.96.

The committee on the propriety of the Grand Lodge securing a permanent location was, at its own request, discharged from further consideration of the subject. The proposition to increase the Grand Lodge dues and to reduce the mileage, were both considered and lost.

The select committee on the obituary of Past Grand Master Howard Matthews, deceased, who served this Grand Lodge as Deputy Grand Master from 1861 to 1866, except one year when absent from state, and was our Grand Master in 1867 and 1868, submitted their report and testimonial as to his private and Masonic life, which was adopted, is printed in the proceedings and a memorial page on our records set aside to his memory.

Memorial pages were also set aside to the memory of Brothers Asa Coleman of Troy, D. P. Leadbetter of Millersburg, and Davis Embree, long a resident of Cincinnati.

The Grand Master was authorized and instructed to issue a circular to be addressed to the Subordinate Lodges of this jurisdiction on the subject of intemperance and profanity, enjoining the Masters of the Lodges by all the powers of moral suasion and brotherly kindness to arrest the evil, and in the last resort, to cut off the persistently offending members as cancerous excrescences on the body of Masonry.

The select committee on the subject of Colored Masons, continued from last session reported that by the repeal of the resolution adopted in 1847, the Grand Lodge has left its subordinates at perfect liberty to confer the degrees of Masonry on any man, and to admit to membership any lawful brother who has the necessary Masonic qualifications. There is no rule whereby the persons who compose the Grand Lodge of Ohio and its jurisdiction, if "worthy and well qualified," are excluded from our Fraternity, if they seek admission through duly organized Lodges. Your committee are of the opinion that all has been done that justice demands or the interest of the Craft will permit, and recommend that the petitioners have permission to withdraw their petition and that the committee be discharged from further consideration of the subject.

After discussion the report was adopted.

The committee to codify the rules of the Grand Lodge, and the Code, reported the Revised Code to consist of:
1. The Charges of a Freemason.
2. The Constitution of the Grand Lodge.
3. The By-Laws of the Grand Lodge.
4. The Rules for the government of Subordinate Lodges, as follows: (Then follows 86 Rules, covering 12 pages), which were approved and ordered printed in the proceedings (pages 64 to 76), and separately.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence submitted its report, covering 25 pages (76 to 102), and reviewing the proceedings of 33 Grand Lodges, with a detailed statistical table of the membership of each, valuable for reference, interesting discussions of many important Masonic subjects, and under the head of "Jurisprudence" a collation of the important decisions of the Grand Masters and Grand Lodges reviewed, a statement in relation to the organization of the Grand Lodge of Quebec, finding it was legally and properly organized, and recommending its recognition, which recommendation was unanimously adopted.

Charters were granted to the following Lodges:
J. B. Covert, No.437, at Withamsville, Clermont County
Ionic, No. 438, at Bellaire, Belmont County
Thatcher, No.439, at Nottingham, Cuyahoga County
Union, No.440, at New Bremen, Auglaize County
Pioneer, No. 441, at Pioneer, Williams County
Gustavus, No.442, at Gustavus, Ashtabula County
Crawford, No.443, at Bucyrus, Crawford County
Prospect, No.444, at Middletown, Marion County
Monitor, No.445, Delhi, Hamilton County
Fairview, No.446, at Fairview, Guernsey County
Oliver, No.447, at Caledonia, Marion County
Gage and Gavel, No.448, at Chandlersville, Muskingum County
Bloomingburg, No.449, Bloomingburg, Fayette County
Mt. Washington, No.450, at Mt. Washington, Hamilton County
Tontogany, No.451 at Tontogany, Wood County

Dispensation were granted for the following new Lodges:
New Lyme, at New Lyme, Ashtabula County, continued: Chester, at Chester, Meigs County: Brooklyn, at Brooklyn, Cuyahoga County.

Petition for dispensation for a Lodge at St. John's, Auglaize County, being defective, same was not granted.

Permission was given to Springdale Lodge No.186 to move to Glendale, Hamilton County, the name to be changed to Glendale Lodge, No.186 but the present jurisdiction of the Lodge not to b changed.

The Committee on Jurisprudence reported that the proper procedure in electing a Brother to honorary membership in a Subordinate Lodge, is that the Brother upon whom it is proposed to confer that distinction should be proposed at a stated meeting of the Lodge, which proposed should lie over to the next stated meeting, when a ballot should be had on the proposal, and be unanimous as in other cases, which was approved.

M.·. W.·. Grand Master Alexander H. Newcomb, R.·. W.·. Deputy Master Philip M. Wagenhals, and all the other elective Grand Officers were re-elected and installed in the official stations they occupy at present. The Grand Lodge fixed Mansfield as the place, and October 17, A. D. 1871, as the time for holding the next annual communication of the Grand Lodge, and appointed a committee to arrange for a suited Hall and for hotel and railroad facilities.

A calendar of Full Moons and New Moons for the ensuing year was printed at the close of the proceedings for use of the Subordinate Lodges.

 Back to Ohio Masonic History  Previous   Next