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The History of Freemasonry

by Albert Gallatin Mackey

Chapter 56 - Royal Arch Masonry

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Royal Arch Masonry.

IN Chapter XLIX, Dr. A. G. Mackey, having, in a very elaborate and satisfactory manner, given the history of the introduction of Royal Arch Masonry into America; and in Chapter L, the organization of the General Grand Chapter in the United States, it is quite unnecessary for the present writer to make any preface to the details of the organization of the particular Chapters and the Grand Chapters in the several Grand jurisdictions. We shall, therefore, proceed at once to that work, and in an alphabetical arrangement, for a better reference to any special jurisdiction when required.

Alabama.

Prior to May, 1823, there were four chapters in Alabama having been chartered by the General Grand Chapter. A convention of the delegates of these chapters was held in Mobile in May and June, 1823, and it was decided to form a Grand Chapter for the State. The junior Chapter, Monroe, having taken exceptions, referred the matter to the General Grand Chapter at its session, September 16, 1826, when the following was adopted :

"Resolved, That the formation of a Grand Chapter for the State of Alabama, in May, 1823," prior to the expiration of one year from the establishment of the junior chapter in such State, "was prohibited by the 11th section of the 2d Article of the General Grand Constitution, and that therefore this General Grand Chapter cannot ratify or approve of the proceedings of the convention held at Mobile on the third Monday of May, 1823, or recognize the body claiming to be considered the Grand Chapter of Alabama"

A recommendation was, however, made to the four chapters to proceed to form a Grand Chapter. On June 2, 1827, the Grand Chapter was reorganized, and met in December following, and annually until 1830, when it ceased to meet.

December, 1837, the delegates from the several chapters met and reorganized the Grand Chapter, and it has continued as a constituent of the General Grand Chapter.

Arizona.

Pursuant to an invitation from Companion Past High-Priest George J. Roskruge of Tucson Chapter, No. 3, a convention of Royal Arch Masons met in the hall of Tucson Lodge, No. 4, F. & A. M., in Tucson, County of Pima, for the purpose of taking steps to organize a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for the Territory of Arizona, November 13, 1889.

The convention was called to order by Companion Past High-Priest Martin W. Kales of Arizona Chapter, No. 1. Companion George J. Roskruge of Tucson Chapter 3 was chosen Chairman of the convention and Companion Frank Baxter was elected Secretary.

A committee on credentials was appointed and reported the following chapters as being represented, viz.

Date of Charter August 24, 1880. Arizona Chapter, No. 1, located at Phoenix, Maricopa County. August 15, 1883. Prescott Chapter, No. 2, located at Prescott, Yarapai County. Tucson Chapter, No. 3, located at Tucson, Pima County. Cochise Chapter, NO. 4, located at Tombstone, Cochise County.

Nov. 22, 1889. Flagstaff Chapter, No. 5, located at Flagstaff, Coconino County.

A committee was appointed on Constitution and By-Laws, and the convention took a recess; and on resuming labor the committee reported a Constitution and By-Laws, which were adopted. The convention then elected their officers; Martin W. Kales was chosen Grand High-Priest, and Gcorge J. Roskruge Grand Secretary.

The convention then adjourned subject to a call from the Grand Secretary.

November 12, 1890, the convention met and Companion George J. Roskruge presided. The same chapters, as before, were represented, and there were also present a number of Past High-Priests and Past Grand High-Priests, and Companion Titus of California, all of whom were invited to seats (without votes).

The President stated the object of the convention and read his Warrant as Deputy of the General Grand High-Priest of the General Grand Chapter of the United States, dated November 1, 1890. On motion, the constitution, as adopted at the former convention, was amended, to conform to the recommendation of the General Grand High-Priest.

The convention then adjourned, that the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Arizona might be opened in ample form.

The first annual convocation was then opened (November 12, 1890) at 8 P.M., George J. Roskruge, Grand High-Priest, presiding, and Morris Goldwater, Grand Secretary. The convention then proceeded to elect the Grand Officers, and Martin W. Kales was elected Grand High-Priest, and George James Roskruge was elected Grand Secretary.

Companion Roskruge acting as Deputy General Grand High. Priest of the United States constituted the Grand Chapter of Arizona and installed the officers in accordance with the dispensation granted by the General Grand High-Priest, David F. Day.

On the following day (November 13, 1890) a convention of Anointed High-Priests was organized and officers were elected. Eight Past High-Priests were anointed.

Arkansas.

Charters were granted by the General Grand Chapter of the United States to three chapters in Arkansas, the first being under date of September 17, 1841.

The Grand Chapter was organized at a convention held April 28, 1851, and Companion Elbert H. English was the first Grand High-Priest. When the General Grand Chapter of the United States held its convocation at Nashville, Tenn., on November 24, 1874, Companion English was elected General Grand High-Priest. His death occurred September 1, 1884.

In the years I853 and I854, Companion Albert Pike was the Grand High-Priest.

California.

The first dispensation to organize a chapter of Royal Arch Masons in California was issued May 9, 1850, to San Francisco Chapter, No. 1, and a Charter was granted September 13th. Charters were issued to Sonora, No. 2, and Sacramento, No. 3, September 17, 1853. These three chapters sent delegates to a convention held May 6, 1854, at Sacramento, where measures were taken to organize a Grand Chapter, and after three days' session adjourned to meet at San Francisco, July 18, 1854, where the organization and constitution were fully completed by the installation of the Grand Officers.

Colorado.

Central City Chapter, No. 1, in Central City, was the first chapter to which a dispensation, dated March 23, 1863, was issued in Colorado, which was granted by the General Grand King. The Deputy General Grand High-Priest granted a dispensation to Denver Chapter, No. 2, April, 1863. These two chapters had their charters granted at the following session of the General Grand Chapter, September, 1865. A dispensation was issued to organize Pueblo Chapter, No. , at Pueblo, May 24, 1871, and a Charter for the same was issued September 20, 1871. November 25, 1874, charters were issued to Georgetown, No. 4, and Golden, No. 5.

A convention was held at Denver City by the authority of Elbert H. English, M.E. General Grand High-Priest, May 11, 1875, and the Grand Chapter of Colorado was regularly constituted.

Connecticut.

Six members of Saint John's Lodge, No. 2, located in the town of Middletown, Conn., having received and been "duly initiated into the most sublime degree of an Excellent, Superexcellent, and Royal Arch Mason in regular constituted Royal Arch Chapters," and proving each other, they "duly opened and held the first regular Grand Royal Arch Chapter." (1) They elected their officers. Their first meeting was held September 12, 1783.

The "Mother-Chapter," or Washington Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the City of New York, granted the following charters in Connecticut: Hiram, No. 1, in Newtown, April 29, 1791; Franklin, No. 2, New Haven, May 20, 1795; Franklin, No. 4, Norwich, March 15, 1796, and Solomon, No. 5, Derby, March 15, 1796. Vanden Broeck also No. 5, received its Charter from the Grand Chapter of New York, dated April 6, 1796; it is said, however, that the first record was dated December 24, 1795.

(1) At that day the word "Grand " was taken from the A. A. A. R., where all the bodies were termed Grand.-EDITOR.

A convention Nyas held by the delegates of these six chapters, in Hartford, May 17, 1798, which organized the Grand Chapter of Connecticut. Half-yearly convocations were held until May, 1819, when the constitution was changed to annual convocations and specials when required.

When the convention to form a Grand Chapter met in Hartford, Conn., January 24, A.L. 5798, " agreeable to the recommendation of a Convention of Committees assembled at Boston, in the State of Massachusetts, in October, 1797," there were present: from Connecticut, representatives of Solomon Chapter of Derby, instituted 5794; Franklin Chapter, No. 4, Norwich, and Franklin Chapter, No. 5, New Haven. (1) Ephraim Kirby, of Litchfield, was chosen the first General Grand High-Priest. In examining the records of the first chapters prior to the organization of the General Grand Chapter of 1797, we notice the designation of the officers as being somewhat different from the same officers at a more recent date. In Hiram Chapter of Connecticut the officers were "High-Priest, King, Scribe, Zerubbabel a Royal Arch Captain, three Grand Masters, a Treasurer, a Secretary, an Architect, a Clothier, and a Tyler." It was required that the "High-Priest should preside, direct the business, and occasionally to give a lecture." Now it is "to read and expound the law." The Scribe's duty was to "cause the Secretary to enter, in a fair and regular manner, the proceedings of the chapter," and "to summons the members for attendance at every regular and special meeting. . . . and also to administer the obligation." It was the duty of Zerubbabel "to superintend the arrangements of the Chapter"; of the Royal Arch Captain, "to keep watch at the Sanctuary"; of the three Grand Masters, "to watch the Veils"; of the Clothier, "to provide and take care of the Clothing"; of the Architect, "to provide and take care of the furniture." (2)

In the English Royal Arch, Zerubbabel is the first Principal and in the present American Royal Arch, Zerubbabel is the Second Principal, and designated King, which designation, in our judgment, is a misnomer, as he never was a King, but was called "Tirshatha," which was an office of Governor under the King of Persia, and was, in reality, in the construction of the second Temple, subordinate to the High-Priest, who had entire management of that work.

(1) Compendium, Genl. Gr. Ch., p. 8. (2) Capitular Degrees, " Hist. Masonry and Con. Orders," p. 606.

Zerubbabel soon retired and returned to Babylon, and the Temple was finally completed by a High-Priest.

Dakota.

In 1883 eight chapters had, at different times, been chartered by the General Grand Chapter of the United States, viz. -.

Yankton, No. 1, at Yankton; dispensation, April 15, 1876 chartered, August 24, 1880. Sioux Falls, No. 2, at Sioux Falls; chartered, August 27, 1880. Dakota, No. 3, at Deadwood; chartered, August 27, 1880. Siroc, No. 4, at Canton; chartered, August 15, 1883. Pembina, No. 5, at Pembina. Missouri, No. 6, at Bismarck. Casselton, No. 7, at Casselton. Corinthian, No. 8, at Grand Forks.

A convention was held at Aberdeen, June 10, 1884, at which the following chapters were represented: Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 of the above list. When it was agreed to petition the General Grand High-Priest to grant a Warrant to organize a Grand Chapter for Dakota, five chapters voted for it and No. 7 against, and finally agreed, as also did Keystone chapter, No. 11, under dispensation.

A convention met February 25, 1885, pursuant to a call made January 8, 1885 at Sioux FaHs. Companion William Blatt was chosen Chairman, and the following chapters were reported as being duly represented, viz.: Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 of the above list, and Cheyenne, No. 9, U, D., at Valley City; Huron, No. 10, U.D., at Huron; Keystone, No. 11, U.D., at Fargo; Watertown, No. 12, U.D., at Watertown; Jamestown, No. 13, U.D., at Jamestown, Aberdeen, No. 14, U.D., at Aberdeen.

The first annual convocation was held June 8, 1885. Charters were granted to Corinthian, No. 8; Huron, No. 10; Watertown, No. 12; Jamestown, No. 13; Aberdeen, No. 14; Millbank, No. 15; and dispensations were isued to Denver, Brookings; Flandreau; Redfield. Chapters which were not represented were: Pembina, No. 5, at Pembina; Missouri, No. 6, at Bismarck, and Millbank, U.D., at Millbank.

The Grand Chapter of Dakota continued to prosper until the division of the State, by Act of Congress, February 22, 1889, into North and South Dakota.

When, on January 6, 1890, a convention was held in Yankton, S. D., and the representatives of the chapters located in South Dakota held a convention, and by the consent of the Grand Chapter of Dakota they organized the Grand Chapter of South Dakota, January 6, 1890, under the constitution of the General Grand Chapter.

Delaware.

The early history of the innoduction of Royal Arch Masonry into the State of Delaware is very uncertain. We have no records to refer to. It is said that a Grand Chapter was formed on June 19, 1818. By what authority we can not ascertain; the "compendium" is silent upon Delaware. In the Proceedings of the General Grand Chapter of the Twenty-first Triennial Convocation, held in Baltimore, September 19, 1871, we find the General Grand High-Priest's reference to the State of Delaware,' as follows:

"Among the first to demand my attention was to examine into the condition of the Grand Chapter of Delaware, and if found to be a legal Grand Chapter, to have the same enrolled under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter, as requested by the companions in Delaware. Having been solicited to visit Wilmington, for the purpose of instituting St. John's Chapter, which had been chartered by this Body at its last convocation (1868), I did so on the 19th of October, 1868, and having instituted said chapter, embraced that opportunity to fully investigate the condition of Royal Arch Masonry in the State, and for that purpose I held interviews with some of the most prominent Royal Arch Masons in the jurisdiction. From those companions, and from the records, I ascertained that there had existed in Delaware no regular Grand Chapter since the year 1856, at which time the original Grand Chapter ceased to meet and elect Grand Officers. I ascertained that there had been a 'Convocation of Royal Arch Masons' at Dover in 1859, at which meeting but one chapter, of the three then existing in that State, was legally represented. At that irregular 'Convocation' an election was had, Companion GEO. W. CHAYTOR being elected Grand High Priest.

"No other convocation of the (so-called) Grand Chapter was held until January, 1868, a period of nine years. During this time, Companion Chaytor claimed to be the Grand High-Priest, but he

(1) Proceedings Genl. Gr. Ch. U.S., 1871, P.10.

refused persistently to assemble the Craft in Grand Convocation. Some three or four years subsequent to the meeting of 1859, a difficulty having aisen between Companion Chaytor and the other members of Washington and Lafayette Chapter, No. 1, of which he was then High-Priest, he, in his capacity of Grand High-Priest, declared the said chapter suspended, thereby placing himself in the anomalous position of a self-suspended Royal Arch Mason; that is, provided he possessed any powers as Grand High-Priest.

"At the meeting in January, 1868, there was simply an assemblage of Royal Arch Masons, no one of whom claimed to act in a representative capacity. Companion Chaytor was present, but he refused to open a Grand Chapter, giving as a reason, that his chapter was under a suspension, and therefore there were but two chapters left in the State. Thereupon the assemblage resolved itself into a 'Royal Arch Convention,' and proceeded to elect Grand Officers and to adopt a constitution. And this was the body which made application to the last Convocation of the General Grand Chapter, to be recognized as the Grand Chapter of the State of Delaware.

"With these facts before me, there was but one conclusion to which I could legitimately arrive. Accordingly, on the 20th of October 1868, I issued an edict, declaring that any legal existence heretofore attaching to a Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Delaware had ceased; that said State Grand Chapter no longer existed; and that the several chapters heretofore holding under it had become dormant for non-use and for other reasons. And that, by the fact of the cessation of the Grand Chapter of the State of Delaware, all semblance of lawful governmental authority in that State had ceased, and the territory had become masonically vacant; and therefore the authority of the General Grand Chapter of the United States did, of right, obtain, and was in full force and effect, in said State of Delaware. Thereupon, I did order and direct, that the three Chapters which had formerly held under the Grand Chapter of Delaware, should be received and recognized as lawful Royal Arch Chapters, under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter, and with authority to resume and continue work under the warrants then held by them, until the pleasure of the General Grand Chapter was made known, or a State Grand Chapter was formed.

"On the 9th day of January, 1869, upon application duly made, and under the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution of the General Grand Chapter, I issued an edict granting permission for the formation of a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Delaware."

January 20, 1869, the legal representatives of four chapters in Delaware met in convention at Dover and organized a Grand Chapter for the State and adopted their constitution. The General Grand High-Priest, Dr. James M. Austin, was present and installed the Grand Officers; and he officially received and welcomed the said Grand Body into the family of Grand Chapters; and on January 30, 1869, by special edict, he ordered and directed that Grand Chapter to be enrolled under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter of the United States.

District of Columbia.

The very first intimation we have of the Royal Arch degree in the District of Columbia, we find in the old record-book of the "Excellent, Superexcellent, Royal Arch Encampment," under the Charter of Federal Lodge, No. 15, F.A.A.M., under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, which is referred to in Chapter LIL, page 1369.

We make the following extracts from that first "Encampment": "At a meeting of the Royal Arch Encampment, held in the Lodge, No. 15 (Federal Lodge), on Monday, December '4th, A. L. 5795. Present:

Rev. George Ralph, John Bradford, Robert Brown, C. Worthy Stephenson Dennis Dulancy, Thomas Wilson, David Cummings, James Sweeney.

Whereas, It appears to be the desire of several Brethren of this Lodge that a Royal Arch Encampment should be established in this city, therefore,

"Resolved, That a committee be appointed of the following Brethren, viz.: Brothers Ralph, Wilson, and Dulancy, to procure every necessary apparatus, and to adjust the necessary fees and expenses of admission to this Degree. (1)

"Resolved, That the Brethren who wish to join this Encampment be requested to subscribe to a paper instrument, handed to them by

(1) It will be observed that there was but one degree.-EDITOR.

Bro. Sweeney previous to the foregoing Committee proceeding in the calculation in the expenses of our Robes, Veils, (1) Furniture, &c. The Committee to meet on Wednesday evening, at 4 o'clock p.m. and general meeting of the Royal Arch Masons to meet at 6 o'clock previously the same evening." The meeting then adjourned.

December 16, 1795. Present as at last meeting except Bro. Stephenson. The Committee appoiited at the last meeting made their report: which was that twenty-three pounds and one shilling is indispensably necessary to provide the materials to prepare them and to arrange the Lodge room previous to the formation of a Royal Arch Encampment) &c., &c., which was agreed to.

At a meeting held June 17, 5797, it was announced by a letter from Comp. Sweeney that a Royal Arch Grand Lodge is about to be formed for the State of Maryland to meet at Baltimore June 24th. A circular letter was received from George L. Gray, No. 5 Market St., Baltimore, giving information of the establishment of a Grand Chapter in the city of Baltimore.

This chapter or encampment held its meetings until February, 5799, when it "resolved that the Royal Arch Encampment be broke up!" and a committee was appointed to settle up its affairs and everyone to receive his dividend.

To show who were the officers and their titles we give the following list:

M.W. James Hoban, High-Pricst. R.W. John Carter, Captain-General. R.W. Robert Brown, 1st Grand Master. R.W. Redmond Purcell, 2d Grand Master. R.W. Peter Lenox, 3d Grand Master. John Hanley, Treasurer. Patrick Hearly, Secretary. John Lenox, Tyler.

The second record-book begins as follows

At a meeting of the Royal Arch Chapter at their Lodge room on Saturday evening, December 1, 1804, the following Companions present :

Phil P. Eckel, High-Priest, p. t. (2) Charles Jones, Captain-General.

(1) Robes and Veils are here specified for the first time, we believe.-EDITOR. (2) Philip P. Eckel was a distinguished member of a chapter in Baltimore.-EDITOR.

Benj. King, 1st Grand Master. C. M. Laughlan, 2d Grand Master. Bern'd Doland, 3d Grand Master. John Davis, Grand Scribe. (1) Visitors, John Scott, John Carter.

The degree of Excellent, Superexcellent, Royal Arch was conferred upon several Brethren, ten dollars being the fee.

On Sunday, December 14, 1806, a meeting is recorded, and they adopted the following :

"Resolved, That this Chapter concur with the resolution passed by Concordia R. A. Chapter as far as respects a Grand Royal Arch Chapter and that a Committee be appointed to meet in Grand Convention at the City of Washington on the third Wednesday in January next (1807) any Committees which may be appointed for the purpose aforesaid.

"February 14, 1807. Ordered that this Chapter be represented at the next Royal Arch Chapter to be held at Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, on the second Thursday of May next, by the Officers fixed on by the Constitution of the Grand Chapter.

"Resolved, That that part of the Constitution which states that the High-Priest and King are the proper representatives be altered so as to add, 'unless ordered by the Chapter.'

"Resolved, That the Treasurer do pay into the hands of the Treasurer of the Grand R.A. Chapter $10, for the purpose of obtaining our Warrant (2) and also other Contingent expenses relative thereto."

Februar 7, 18O7, was adopted the following:

"Resolved, That in future the following sums shall be paid by Candidates for the following degrees, namely, for Past Master $2, for Mark Master $3, and for the degree of Excellent, Superexcellent, Royal Arch $10."

At this time it was

"Resolved, That this Chapter shall hereafter be entitled and known by the name of the Royal Arch Union Chapter."

This record-book terminates August 20, 5808, giving no intimation of any cause whatever why the chapter should not have continued

(1) Title of Grand Scribe unknown in the first Encampment.-EDITOR. (2) This seems to indicate that there was no Warrant prior to this date.

its sessions. At the meeting previous to the above date all the officers had been elected and installed.

A dispensation had been Isued by the General Grand High-Priest to the several chapters in the District of Columbia to organize a Grand Chapter August 30, 1822, and the report of the committee was adopted recommending the adoption of the resolution above quoted. (1)

This Grand Chapter continued in existence from February 10, 1824, to January 8th, 1833, being composed of the following chapters, viz.: Federal Chapter, No. 3; Union Chapter, No. 4; Potomac Chapter, No. 8.

Several conventions were held from time to time, however, between May 11, 1822, and February 10, 1824, at which latter date the delegates of the several chapters of Royal Arch Masons of the District of Columbia met in General Convention and the following chapters were properly represented: Federal Chapter, No. 3; Union Chapter, No. 4; Brooke Chapter, No. 6, of Alexandria, Va., and Potomac Chapter, No. 8, of Georgetown.

The convention was duly organized, and the Grand Officers were elected and a constitution which had been regularly formulated and adopted at a former convention was adopted. In the evening of the same day (Tuesday, February 10, 1824) the Grand Royal Arch Chapter for the District of Columbia was opened in ample form, and the convention was accordingly dissolved.

The Grand Officers were duly installed by Comp'n John B. Hammett, a Past Grand High-Priest.

At a meeting of the Grand Chapter held March 9, 1824, the following communication was received and read and laid on the table:

"GEORGETOWN, February 11, 1824, POTOMAC ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER, No. 8.

"Resolved Unanimously, That we deem it inexpedient to separate from the Grand Chapter of the State of Maryland and District of Columbia and that we will not avail ourselves of the permission and authority granted by a resolution past said Grand Chapter at their last Communication. (Extracts from the Minute.)

EDW. DEEBLE, Scribe."

(1) Pro. Gen. Gr. Ch., 1826, P. 77.

Previous to the closing of the convention the numbers of the chapters were arranged as follows: Federal, No. 1 ; Union, No. 2; Brooke, No. 3; Potomac, No. 4, and that charters to these should be made accordingly.

At the semi-annual meeting we find No. 1 to be designated as Washington Royal Arch Chapter, No. 1." This change was made by that chapter at a meeting held February 23, 1824.

The Grand Chapter continued to exist until its annual communication, held January 8, 1833, which is the last record in the book.

Potomac Chapter, No. 4, never united with this Grand Chapter, but held under her old Charter.

At the annual meeting of the Grand Chapter, held January 9, 1827, a petition was received from Comp. P. Mauro, on behalf of himself and thirteen other Companions requesting a dispensation or Charter be granted to them for a chapter under the title of Temple Chapter, No. 4, which was unanimously granted.

At an adjourned convocation, held March 14, 1827, after installation of the Grand Officers, the officers elect of Temple Chapter, No. 4, were installed by the Grand High-Priest.

This Grand Chapter closed its existence after the annual convocation January 8, 1833, as no meeting was recorded in the old book after that date, if any were held at all. We must now refer to the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter and at the eleventh meeting, held September 14, 1841, we find that a resolution was adopted authorizing the Deputy General Grand High-Priest to take the necessary steps to place all chapters of Royal Arch Masons in that part of the District of Columbia, formerly belonging to the State of Maryland, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of Maryland. (1) At the next meeting, held September 10, 1844, that officer reported that the resolution above referred to had been duly enforced and confirmed by the Grand Chapter of the State of Maryland; and that Grand Chapter has assumed and now holds jurisdiction over that portion of the District of Columbia lying within the limits of the State, that at present Maryland has two chapters at work therein. (2) These two chapters were, Columbia No. 15, and Washington No. 16.

The chapters in the District of Columbia remained attached to and under the Grand Chapter of Maryland which on September 10,

(1) 1841, p. 165. (2) 1844, p. 181.

1844, was changed to Maryland and District of Columbia, until the year 1867, when steps were taken by the four chapters in the District of Columbia to reorganize a Grand Chapter. These were: Columbia, No. 15; Washington, No. 16; Mount Vernon, No. 20; and Potomac, No. 8. After many preliminary conventions, and surmounting technical difficulties and bitter hostilities to their efforts, the General Grand High-Priest, John L. Lewis, gave his consent by telegram first, which was followed by his official letter. Companion Albert G. Mackey, Past General Grand High-Priest, was invited to come from Charleston, S.C., to constitute the Grand Chapter and install the Grand Officers, which ceremonies took place in Washington at the Opera-house, May 23, 18767. The Grand Chapter was successfully launched, but soon encountered quicksand and shoals. The enemies of the Grand Chapter did not hesitate to take the most unmasonic measures to stop the progress of Royal Arch Masonry in the District of Columbia; a self-constituted committee of four visited the General Grand High-Priest at his home in New York and by a tissue of falsehoods and a well-concocted false statement, induced that officer to recall his permission, long after the Grand Chapter had successfully entered upon a very prosperous course. Two constituent chapters had been chartered to take the place of Potomac Chapter, which withdrew from the Grand Chapter and, as in 1824, decided to remain with the Grand Chapter in Maryland. The General Grand High-Priest issued his edict, requiring the chapters in the District of Columbia to disband the new Grand Chapter, and return to their allegiance to the Grand Chapter of Maryland and District of Columbia. This not being complied with, he at once issued another edict, and expelled every Royal Mason belonging to the chapters in the District except those four and the members of Potomac Chapter. Thus matters remained. The Companions in Washington went along about their business of Masonry and a wonderful prosperity followed them. When the General Grand Chapter met in St. Louis in 1868, the Grand Chapter of the District was sustained in her action and admitted to the General Grand Chapter.

We have kindly omitted all personalities in this veritable history, because nearly every prominent Companion in this contest has gone to his reward, and we say, as all interested should, Pax Vobiscum. The General Grand Chapter permitted Potomac Chapter, No. 8, to retain her place under the Grand Chapter of Maryland, but decided that the whole territory of the District was in the jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia, and she could not receive any petitions for the degrees. This continued for a few months, when Potomac finally asked to be admitted among the faithful, which was readily granted, and since that time there has been no more faithful members of the Grand Chapter than the Companions of Old Potomac, No. 8, and universally esteemed and beloved.

The Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia has increased since May 7, 1867, from three chapters with 498 members, to eleven chapters and 2,204 members in 1898.

Florida.

In the "Compendium " giving the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter for the sixth meeting of that body, September 14, 1826, the General Grand High-Priest, DeWitt Clinton, reported that he had granted dispensations for a Mark Lodge in St. Augustine and also one in St. Francisville in Florida. (1)

The Grand Chapter of Virginia had chartered two chapters in Florida, viz. : Magnolia, No. 16, at Appalachicola, and Florida, No. 32, at Tallahassee. There was a chapter at St. Augustine chartered by the Grand Chapter of South Carolina.

We find in the "Compendium" in the proceedings for the thirteenth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held September 14, 1847, the following in the report of the General Grand Secretary: (2)

"On the 11th day of January last (1847), three chapters of Royal Arch Masons in the State of Florida, by their delegates, met in Convention and resolved to form a Grand Chapter for that State. They therefore proceeded to frame a Constitution and enact bylaws; and on the 21 st of the same month they elected officers and organized a Grand Chapter; and among their proceedings it will be found that they desire to place their Grand Chapter under your jurisdiction. On receipt of the copy of their Constitution and letter accompanying it, I immediately acknowledged the same, and requested their Grand Secretary to inform me from what Grand

(1) "Compendium," 1826, P. 73. (2) Ibid., 1847, P. 140.

Chapter the several Chapters in the State received their respective charters, and the time when each was issued. To this letter, as yet, I have received no answer."

The next notice of Florida we find in the proceedings of the same meeting, (1) where a committee on General Grand Secretary's report say :

"That it appears from documents referred to your committee, a Convention of delegates from the Royal Arch Chapters in the State of Florida, assembled in Tallahassee, in the month of January, 1847, at which time the following preamble and resolutions were adopted" (which we omit). The committee say:

"In the published proceedings of said Grand Chapter we find the adopted Constitution, and the following resolutions :

"Resolved, That the Grand Chapter of Florida, duly appreciating the advantages of a Masonic head and paramount authority, are disposed to come under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter of the United States.

"Resolved, That the Grand Secretary communicate the same to the General Grand Secretary of the General Grand Chapter."

Among the comments of the committee they say : "It is to be regretted that the Grand Secretary did not furnish that precise information of the origin of the several chapters which composed the convention as would have enabled your committee to report in such a manner as to recommend to this General Grand Chapter the incorporation of that Grand Chapter under your jurisdiction at the present time," etc. Some objections were also made to several sections of their constitution; they recommended certain resolutions aiming to overcome the objections, and thereby to admit the Grand Chapter to her proper place as a constituent of this General Grand Chapter. The Grand Chapter of Florida did not understand the motive of the action of the General Grand Chapter and did not comply with the request for explanations. At the sixteenth meeting of the General Grand Chapter held in 1856 the General Grand High-Priest was authorized to recognize the Grand Chapter of Florida and place it in the same position as the other Grand Chapters, at its request.

The war period of 1861 to 1865 prevented the accomplishment

(1) "Compendium," pp. 158, 159, 161, 171.

of this arrangement until January 13, 1869, when the Grand Chapter of Florida accepted the invitation by passing the following:

"Resolved, That this Grand Chapter accept such invitation in a true Masonic spirit and will hereafter bear allegiance and support to the said General Grand Chapter."

Georgia.

The office of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of Georgia can not furnish any information as to when Royal Arch Masonry was introduced into that jurisdiction.

The first notice of Georgia in the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter is at the third septennial meeting, January 9, 1806, and is a Warrant to Georgia (Chapter at Savannah. At the fourth meeting, beld June 6, 1816 (special), Union Chapter, at Louisville, received a Warrant. At the fifth regular meeting, Augusta Chapter received a Warrant. (1) At the tenth meeting, held September 11, 1838, a dispensation was granted to a chapter at Macon. (2)

The next notice of Georgia in the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter is at the sixth meeting, in 1826. "That charters have been granted to Mechanic's Chapter, at Lexington, Georgia, on the 10th June, 1820; to Webb Chapter, at Sparta, Georgia, on 16th November, 1821; by the Deputy General Grand High-Priest, Henry Fowle." (3) At the same meeting we find the following: " That Grand Royal Arch Chapters have been legally and constitutionally formed, since the last meeting of this Body, within and for the States of Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Georgia, and Tennessee, with the consent of one of the General Grand Officers

At the thirteenth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held September 14, 1847, the General Grand Secretary reports as follows : (5)

"Within the last few days, however, on examination of the old files of papers, I found a printed paper, to which the name of one of the General Grand Secretaries is affixed, giving a list of the Grand Chapters under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter, and therein appears the name of the Grand Chapter of Georgia.

"It would seem that this is a good evidence of that Grand

(1) "Compendium," pp. 36, 46, 56. (2) Ibid., pp. 103, 106. (3) Ibid., p. 72. (4) Ibid., p. 76. (5) Ibid., pp. 140, 141.

Chapter having been recognized, and that if so, it should be, in some way, made to appear upon the record."

The report of the committee on the last item as found at the same meeting, was that they did find documentary evidence in the hands of the General Grand Secretary sufficient to prove that the Grand Chapter of Georgia was a constituent of the General Grand Chapter, although said Grand Chapter had not been represented, or made returns to that body since 1822.

The above statement of facts is not very flattering to the officers of the General Grand Chapter, whose duty it evidently was to know from the records and registers who were the constituents of that Grand Body. Such remissness and want of knowledge in regard to the very vital affairs show gross neglect of duty and want of care in the management of so important a body of Masons as the General Grand Chapter.

Idaho.

The Grand Chapter of Oregon granted a Charter to Idaho Chapter, in Idaho City, June 18, 1867, being under the impression that the General Grand Chapter had ceased to exist. This chapter was constituted August 18, 1867. At the twentieth session of the General Grand Chapter, held September 18, 1868, the General Grand Chapter adopted a report, which included "good faith" of the petitioners, healing 61 those who had been exalted in the chapter, and granting a Charter to Idaho Chapter, No. 1, Idaho City, on September 18, 1868. The General Grand Chapter issued warrants to other chapters in Idaho, viz. : February 14, 1870, a dispensation to Cyrus, No. 2, at Silver City, then in Dakota; March 30, 1870, a dispensation to Boise, No. 3, at Boise City; charters were issued to these two September 20, 1871. (1)

In the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter for August 25, 1880, on petition of Comp. C.P. Coburn and others of Lewiston, Nez Perce County, Idaho, a Charter was granted, August 27, 1880, to Lewiston Chapter, No. 4. (2)

At the twenty-sixth triennial, held October 1, 1886, Alturas Chapter, No. 5, at Harley, Dak., was granted a Charter. (1)

Pocatello, No. 6, at Pocatello, received a dispensation dated May

(1) "Pro. Gen. Gr. Ch. for 1871," p. 33. (2) Ibid., p. 8t. (3) Ibid., p. 125

28, 1889, and a Charter November 22, 1889; Moscow Chapter, at Moscow, received a Charter July 23, 1891; Fayette Chapter. No. 8, at Fayette, received a Charter August 24, 1894.

Illinois

The Deputy General Grand High-Priest, Joseph K. Stapleton, gave a dispensation to Springfield Chapter, in Springfield, July 19, 1841; (1) and at the eleventh triennial meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held September 14, 1841, a Charter was granted on the 17th. (2)

At the twelfth triennial session, September 10, 1844, the Deputy General Grand High-Priest reported having issued a dispensation for Lafayette Chapter, in Chicago, dated July 2, 1844. (3)

At the thirteenth triennial session, September 14, 1847, he reported having issued dipensations to Jacksonville Chapter, No. 3, at Jacksonville and Shawneetown Chapter, No. 6, at Shawneetown, since the session of 1844, and a Charter to Lafayette Chapter, in Chicago.

The General Grand Scribe Ezra S. Barnum reported having issued dispensations on March 10, 1846, to open Horeb Chapter, No. 4, at Henderson, and April 1, 1846, to open Quincy Chapter, No. 5, at Quincy.

At the fourteenth triennial session, September 10, 1850, several of the chapters working under dispensations having applied for charters were refused because they had failed to send up the records of their proceedings, and therefore the committee was unable to say whether their doings had been regular or not. Among these were the chapters Reynolds, Stapleton, Springfield, and Quincy, and recommended that their dispensations be continued in force until next triennial meeting. (5)

At the same session (fourteenth) the Deputy General Grand High-Priest reported having issued dispensations for the formation of Howard Chapter, on July 28, 1848, and Stapleton Chapter, June 28, 1849. The General Grand King reported that since the last triennial he had granted a dispensation to a chapter to be held in Cambridge in the County of Henry, Ill., to be called Reynolds

(1) "Compendium," p. 110 (2) Ibid., p. 111. (3) Ibid., p. 122. (4) Ibid., p. 145. (5) Ibid., p. 201.

Chapter, No.-, (1) dated March 2, 1850. The General Grand Scribe reported that since the last triennial he had granted a dispensation to open a chapter of Royal Arch Masons at Rock Island, Ill., August 1, 1849, (2) to be called Barrett.

At the thirteenth triennial meeting the General Grand King reported that he had granted authority to seven chapters in Illinois to organize a Grand Chapter.

April 10, 1850, a convention of the representatives of six of these chapters was held, and having the authority of the General Grand King, a Grand Chapter for the State of Illinois was organized."

Indian Territory.

A convention of three chartered chapters, Indian, No. 1; Oklahoma, No. 2, and Muskogee, No. 3, was held by their representatives, October 15, 1889; organized and made application to the General Grand High-Priest for authority to constitute a Grand Chapter for Indian Territory, which was refused. Subsequently the succeeding General Grand High-Priest, David F. Day, at the general grand convocation, held at Atlanta, Ga., November 22, 1889, granted their request, and on February 15, 1890, the Grand Chapter was constitutionally instituted. At the second annual convocation, held at Oklahoma, August 20, 1891, seven chapters were represented.

Indiana.

The first record evidence of the establishment of Royal Arch Masonry in the State of Indiana is found in the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter at the sixth meeting, held September 14, 1826, where under the report of a committee on the papers and proceedings of the General Grand Officers they say : "That a Charter had been granted to Vincennes Chapter, at Vincennes, State of Indiana, on 13th May, 1820; to Jennings Mark Lodge, at Vevay, Indiana, on 4th May, 1821, by the General Grand King, John Snow." (4)

September 14, 1838, the committee on the doings of General Grand Officers reported a dispensation having been granted by M.E. Companion Stapleton for a chapter at Richmond, Ind., and recommended a Charter for that chapter (September 14, 1838). This

(1) "Compendium," p. 182. (2) Ibid., p. 184. (3) Ibid., p. 183. (4) Ibid., p. 73.

chapter was named King Solomon. At the eleventh meeting, held September 14, 1841, the Committee on Warrants recommended a Charter to be issued to Logan Chapter, Logansport; the dispensation of this chapter was dated March 12, 1839.

At the twelfth meeting, held September 10, 1844, the following statements were made by the General Grand Secretary: (1) "By the records of the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter in 1819, it appears that the Committee to whom was referred the subject matter of dispensations granted by the General Grand Officers during the previous recess had heard that the then late Deputy General Grand High-Priest had granted dispensations for charters at Madison, and at Brookville, in Indiana; but there being no further evidence of their existence before the General Grand Chapter, no ratification of these acts was passed, nor were their charters ordered; although several charters were at that time ordered for other chapters holding dispensations under authority of other General Grand Officers. Consequently, Madison and Brookville Chapters ceased to exist as legally constituted Masonic Bodies at that time. It appears, however, from the herewith accompanying papers, that Madison Chapter continued its labors for many years; and there having been another chapter established at Vincennes, in that State, in 1823, it is said a Grand Chapter was organized with the approbation of M.E. Comp. John Snow, General Grand King. No documentary evidence of that authority, however, or even records of the proceedings of that Grand Chapter are known to exist. Nor does it appear of record that the General Grand Chapter was ever advised of the existence of such an institution....."

On the true position of these things being made known to the Companions at Madison, in the proper spirit of Masonry they immediately suspended all work, closed their chapter, and determined to lay their case before the General Grand Chapter, which was done by their High-Priest, M.E. Joseph G. Norwood, in a very frank, perspicuous, and able manner, presented amongst the documents, accompanied by their dispensation, their return for 1842 to the present time (September 10, 1844), and the payment of such dues as have accrued within that time. No return had been made from 1819 to 1842. Their irregularities were evidently the result of mistakes as to the extent of power given by their dispensation, and

(1) "Compendium," p. 116.

they asked that their acts may be made lawful by the General Grand Chapter and that all dues up to 1842 be remitted, and asked for a Charter.(1) This was duly granted, September 12, 1844, (2) and all dues remitted up to 1842. The past work was pronounced illegal, and authority was given to heal all who had received degrees in it. At the twelfth meeting above mentioned (1844), the Deputy General Grand High-Priest reported having issued a dispensation to Lafayette Chapter, No. 3, at Lafayette, August 17, 1843 ; (3) a Charter was granted to this chapter, September 11, 1844; at this meeting permission was granted by the General Grand Chapter for a convention to assemble, dated November 18, 1845, and the Grand Chapter of Indiana was duly constituted December 25, 1845.

Iowa.

At the thirteenth ineedng of the General Grand Chapter, held September 14, 1847, the Deputy General Grand High-Priest reported that since the triennial session, in 1844, he had authoized the consecration, by proxy, of Iowa Chapter, at Burlington, Ia., and also Iowa City Chapter, at Iowa City. He had also issued a dispensation to form Dubuque Chapter, No. 3, at Dubuque, Ia.(4) Charter to the same was dated September 17, 1847.

Dispensation to Iowa Chapter, No. 1, was dated August 24, 1843. (5) Charter to the same was dated September 11, 1844.

Dispensation to Iowa City Chapter, No. 2, was dated March 19, 1844. (6) Charter to the same was dated September 17, 1847.

At the fifteenth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held September 17, 1853, Washington Chapter, No. 4, at Muscatine, Ia., was chartered, dated September 17, 1853. (7)

A dispensation had been issued to McCord Chapter, No. 5, at Fairfield, probably in March, 1853. The Deputy General Grand High-Priest, Joseph K. Stapleton, having died very soon thereafter, no report was made. (8) That chapter received a Charter from the Grand Chapter of Iowa after it was constituted, dated June 14, 1854. A convention of the above-narmed chapters, by their delegates,

(1) "Compendium," p. 117. (2) Ibid., (3) Ibid., p. 121. (4) Ibid., p. 145. (5) Ibid., p. 121 (6) Ibid., p. 122. (7) Ibid., p. 259. (8) Proceedings, 1856, p. 361.

was held at Mount Pleasant, June 8, 1854, by the authority of the General Grand Scribe, A.V. Rowe. (1)

The history of Capitular Masonry in Iowa would not be completed were we to omit one of those peculiar episodes which, with cyclonic force, carries away before it all the valuable works of the good and great Masonic Architects, who have labored so hard, and industriously, in the erection of Masonic temples, and which we quote from Companion A.F. Chapman's history of Capitular Masonry in the History of Masonry and Concordant Orders:

"Within about two years after being organized, the usefulness of the General Grand Chapter came under discussion. The Grand High Priests early gave emphasis to this negative feeling. In 1857 the delegates to the next session of the General Grand Chapter were instructed to vote for its dissolution. This was re-enforced in 1858. The Grand Chapter asserted its sovereignty and independent right to organize chapters in Nebraska or elsewhere, where no Grand Chapter existed, and finally, on August 16, 1860, the resolution declaring the

"'Grand Chapter sovereign and independent, and in no manner whatever subject to the General Grand Chapter of the United States, and this Grand Chapter is forever absolved from all connection therewith,'

was passed by a vote of twenty-eight ayes to fifteen nays.

"This condition continued for nine years, when, at the triennial convocation, September, 1871, the General Grand High Priest reported that, under date of October 26, 1869, he had 'received official notice that the Grand Chapter of Iowa had rescinded the act of secession passed in 1860, and had directed that the O.'.B.'. of allegiance should be administered to all the members of chapters in that jurisdiction, and that hereafter it would be administered to candidates receiving the Royal Arch degree.' (2)

"This Grand Chapter has been represented in the General Grand Chapter since 1871.

"Robert Farmer Bower of Iowa Grand Chapter was chosen General Grand High Priest in 1880, and died before his term was out."

(1) Proceedings, 1856, p. 376. (2) "History of Masonry," p. 613.

Kansas.

The first dispensation was issued to Leavenworth Chapter, No. 1, at Leavenworth, January 24, 1857; to Washington Chapter, at Atchison, May 18, 1859. These two dispensations were reported by the General Grand High-Priest at the seventeenth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held September, 1859, and at this meeting a Charter was granted to Washington Chapter, No. 2, September 14, 1859. In the proceedings of the special convocation of the General Grand Chapter called by Comp. Albert G. Mackey, General Grand High-Priest, which assembled in Columbus, O., September 7, 1865, Washington Chapter, No. 1, of Kansas is reported present by Jacob Saqui, H.P. (1) At the triennial communication held next day, September 8th, at the same place, the Deputy General Grand High-Priest reported that he had renewed the dispensation of Leavenworth Chapter in May, 1863. (2) On September 8, 1865, a Charter was granted, (3) and also a Charter was granted to Fort Scott Chapter, the General Grand Secretary having reported that a dispensation had been issued to the chapter. (4)

By permission of the Deputy General Grand High-Priest a convention of the delegates of the several chapters was held January, 1866, and on February 23, 1866, a Grand Royal Arch Chapter was duly organized and constituted.

Kentucky.

In the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter at the fifth regular meeting, September 9, 1819, the proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Kentucky were presented and read, and a resolution was passed, viz. : "Whereas, It has been communicated to the General Grand Chapter that several Warrants of Constitution were granted since the last communication authorizing the opening and holding of Royal Arch Chapters in Lexington, Frankfort, and Shelbyville, in the State of Kentucky, by our late Most Excellent Companion, Thomas Smith Webb, and that said Chapters having been constitutionally in operation for the space of more than one year, did form themselves into a Grand Chapter for said State

(1) Proceedings of the General Grand Chapter, 1862-65, p. 7 (2) Ibid., p. 23. (3) Ibid., p. 31. (4) Ibid., p. 27.

under the jurisdiction of this body, and have been regularly organized as such, by M.E. Companions De Witt Clinton, General Grand High Priest, and Thomas Smith Webb, late Deputy General Grand High Priest.

"Resolved, Therefore, that this General Grand Chapter approves and recognizes the formation of said Grand Chapter for said State of Kentucky."(1)

The dispensations for the above-mentioned three chapters had been issued by Companion Thomas Smith Webb, Deputy General Grand High-Priest, October 16, 1816.

In the proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Kentucky will be found the correspondence in reference to the formation and constituting of the Grand Chapter, and also the recognition by the Deputy General Grand High-Priest, dated December 12, 1817, at Worthington, O., and by DeWitt Clinton, M. Ex. General Grand High-Priest, December 30, 1817.

At the annual convocation of the Grand Chapter, held in Lexington, September 5, 1825, the Grand Chapter adopted certain resolutions, to petition the General Grand Chapter, and to address letters to the other Grand Chapters on the propriety of dissolving the General Grand Chapter. (2) The memorial was issued, and it is found in the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter for the sixth meeting, September 4, A.L. 5826. (3) This memorial was referred to an appropriate committee, which reported, giving a statement as to how the several Grand Chapters had acted upon the question showing, that "as a majority of the Grand Chapters of the Several States dissented from the resolution of the Grand Chapter of Kentucky, it is not expedient for the General Grand Chapter to take any further measures on the subject." This was after some consideration referred to a committee of the whole. That committee after having deliberately considered and discussed the report, it was agreed to report the same without amendment to the General Grand Chapter, which body decided by a vote of yeas 47, noes 2, to agree to the report of the committee. (4)

Very properly, the Grand Chapter of Kentucky appeared to be contented with this decision.

The report of the General Grand Secretary at the triennial session,

(1) "Compendium," p. 52. (2) Ibid., p. 62. (3) Ibid., pp. 52-69. (4) Ibid., p. 71. Proceedings, 1874, p. 17.

September, 1859, shows that the Grand Chapter of Kentucky had adopted resolutions of withdrawal from the General Grand Body.

At the twenty-second triennial convocation, held November 24, 1871 the General Grand High-Priest, in his address, stated "That the Grand Chapter of Kentucky has rescinded her resolutions of withdrawal and has renewed her allegiance. Her representatives are here with us," etc. She has remained in true allegiance ever since.

Louisiana.

The first reference we find in the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter to Royal Arch Masonry in Louisiana, is at the twelfth meeting, held September 10, 1844, wherein is a report on the appeal of C.D. Lehman, of New Orleans, from a judgment of the so-called Grand Chapter of Louisiana. Difficulties had occurred between the officers and members of Holland chapter, No. 9, in New Orleans. From the documents presented the committee learned "that a Grand Chapter of Louisiana was organized in 1813, by the 'Royal Lodges' Concordia and Perseverance, and such Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge of the State as were Royal Arch Masons." Note, these lodges were originally organized in the Island of San Domingo, under charters from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, with powers to confer all the degrees from Entered Apprentice to Royal Arch inclusive. When the revolution occurred in San Domingo, many of the members of these lodges made their escape and stopped for a while in Cuba, but finally settled in New Orleans, and having retained their charters, resumed labor in that city. (1)

The Grand Chapter formed in the manner above stated was attached to, and made dependent on, the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, and the M.W. Grand Master of that body was ex officio and by "inherent right" Grand High-Priest of the new Grand Chapter.

The question as to the legality of these proceedings had been foreclosed in 1829, by the admission of a representative from the Grand Chapter of Louisiana, in the person of Companion McConnell, on whose return to New Orleans the Grand High-Priest, Companion John Holland, convened the officers and members of the

(1) Reprint of Proceedings of the General Grand Chapter from 1798 to 1856, p. 194.

Grand Chapter, who, by an official act, in regular assembly, enrolled themselves under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter, in the manner prescribed by the 13th Section of the 4th Article of the General Grand Constitution; of which act it notified all the subordinate chapters under its jurisdiction, and directed similar action on their part, and enjoined a strict observance of the provisions of the General Constitution.

From 1829 tO 1831 the Grand Chapter of Louisiana conducted all of her proceedings in good faith and true allegiance to the General Grand Chapter. From 1831 to April, 1839, there was no meeting. The subordinate chapters had ceased to exist, except Holland, No. 9, which kept up its work until the revocation of its Charter in 1841. In that year, the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, by direction of the Grand Master, issued notices to certain Royal Arch Masons in New Orleans, to assemble and elect Grand Officers, with the intention of a reorganization of the State Grand Chapter. This meeting did not occur; but another was soon thereafter called, and the High-Priest and three other officers of Holland Chapter were notified. The usual Grand Officers were elected at this meeting, and the so-styled Grand Chapter of Louisiana was organized. From the testimony submitted to the committee, it appeared that the High-Priest of Holland Chapter, Compn. Henry, was not present at this election; nor could the committee ascertain that there was any Companion present who was entitled to vote in an election of Grand Officers.

Shortly after this, Compn. Henry was officially notified by the Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of Louisiana of the organization of the Grand Chapter, and requiring of Holland Chapter her dues and returns from 1832 to 1838 inclusive. Holland Chapter protested against this demand and asked for evidence of the legality of the organization of the Grand Body, which was refused, and Holland Chapter declined to recognize its authority. The body, assuming to be the Grand Chapter, proceeded to revoke the Charter, and to expel the High-Priest and Secretary of Holland Chapter. The Secretary, Compn. C.D. Lehman, made his appeal to the General Grand Chapter. On July 24, 1843, he served the reputed Grand Chapter with a notice of his intention, and it was shown when this notice was served, the Grand High-Priest of the Grand Chapter, in his place, and in open chapter declared "that he did not acknowledge any other body, and was independent of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the United States."

From the above statement it would appear that the Grand Royal Arch Chapter, organized in 1813, voluntarily surrendered its independent jurisdiction and enrolled itself under the General Grand Chapter, which body continued until 1831, and having ceased her operations by not meeting and electing officers, as required by the General Grand Constitution, it ceased to exist. All the existing subordinate chapters came immediately under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter, which alone had legal authority over the jurisdiction thus vacated, as by Article 2, Section 2, of the General Grand Constitution. The deceased Grand Chapter could only be revived by Article 2, Section 9.

The committee recommended and which was unanimously adopted: That Holland Chapter, No. 9, be directed to resume its labors under the direction of its former officers and members, with power to fill existing vacancies, and that it be required to make its annual returns, and settle its dues with the General Grand Secretary. (1)

In the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter for 1847 we find in a report on Holland Chapter, No. 9, "that the Charter of said Chapter has been either lost or stolen; and that the dispensation under which it has been working for the past year expires by the terms of its own limitation with the present session of this General Grand Chapter. They therefore respectfully recommend that the General Grand Secretary be authorized to execute a new Charter, to take the place of that which has been lost, etc., which was accepted." (2)

The General Grand Chapter at this session "Resolved, That there is not at this time any constitutional and legally authorized Grand Royal Arch Chapter in the State of Louisiana.

"Resolved, That the Association holding its meetings in the City of New Orleans, and assuming to exercise the functions and authority of a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons is an irregular and unauthorized Masonic body; and it is hereby disowned and repudiated as spurious, clandestine, and illegal."

Masonic intercourse, public and private, was interdicted, and

(1) Proceedings of the General Grand Chapter from 1798 to 1856, pp. 193-195. (2) Ibid., pp. 218, 219.

due notice of these resolutions was to be forwarded to the acting Secretary of said body by the General Grand Secretary. (1)

The Deputy General Grand High-Priest reported at this session, September 14, 1847, that since the session of 1844 he had issued dispensations to the following bodies in Louisiana: New Era, No. 2; Red River, No. 3; East Feliciana, (2) No. 4. No dates given. He had also issued a dispensation to Holland Chapter, No. 1, at New Orleans, to continue work until the present session, (3) April 7, 1845, and a new Charter recommended, which was done as above stated. When the Charter to East Feliciana, No. 4, was granted, by request of the chapter the name and place were changed to Clinton, to be located at Clinton. At the same time charters were granted to New Era, No. 2, at New Orleans; Red River, No. 3, at Shreveport; viz. : September 15, 1847.

At the fourteenth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, September 10, 1850, a committee reported that " on the personal knowledge of one of their own members who represents that State (Louisiana) in this Body, that those difficulties are now adjusted, and that the different Grand Bodies of that State, in all degrees of Masonry, are now united as one in that harmony without which our Order can not exist." (5)

At this session (1850) the General Grand King reported "that he had authoized Holland Chapter, No 1; New Era Chapter, No. 2; Red River Chapter, No. 3, and Clinton Chapter, No. 4, in the State of Louisiana, to organize and establish a Grand Chapter for that State; which they did in the City of New Orleans, on 1st day of May, 1848." (6)

Maine

As the territory, occupied by Maine was a part of Massachusetts until it was made a State in 1820, the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts granted a Warrant of Constitution to organize a chapter in Portland, Me., February 13, 1805. The same Grand Chapter issued dispensations, December 17, 1819, to Montgomery, at Bath, and to New Jerusalem, at Wiscasset; on December 29, 1819, to Jerusalem Chapter, in Hollowell. Henry Fowle, Deputy Grand High-Priest, constituted these three chapters, respectively, July 18,

(1) Proceedings of the General Grand Chapter from 1798 to 1856, p. 128 (2) Ibid., p. 209. (3) Ibid., 209. (4) Ibid., 225 (5) Ibid., p. 248. (6) Ibid., p. 253.

19, and 21, 1820, which was reported by him to James Prescott, Grand High-Priest.

These three chapters, with Mt. Vernon Chapter, of Portland, met in convention in Portland, 1820, and adopted the constitution of the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts provisionally, and the Grand Chapter Officers were chosen and organized and constituted the Grand Chapter of Maine. (1)

The first reference to Royal Masonry in Maine by the General Grand Chapter is found in the proceedings for the triennial meeting, September 15, 1826, (2) when the committee reported the legal constitution of the Grand Chapter, and by resolution adopted, that Grand Chapter was recognized and received under the authority and sanction of the General Grand Chapter.

This Grand Chapter had the honor of having two of her Members selected as General Grand Officers in the General Grand Chapter of the United States, viz. : Robert P. Dunlap, General Grand High-Priest for three terms, in 1847, 1850, and 1853; and Josiah H. Drummond, General Grand High-Priest in 1871.

Maryland.

A circular letter from Concordia Chapter in Baltimore was issued to all the chapters in Baltimore and the "Encampment of Excellent, Superexcellent, Royal Arch" (In the District of Columbia), inviting them to send representatives to a convention to be held in the city of Washington, January 21, 1807, to take into consideration the propriety of forming a Grand Chapter for the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Those chapters in Baltimore which met in this convention were Washington, Concordia, and St. John's.

We find from Compn. Edward T. Schultz's History of Capitular Masonry in Maryland that "Undoubtedly [Washington Chapter] was the Royal Arch Chapter of Jerusalem, instituted in 1787 by virtue of the dispensation or warrant of Lodge No. 7, Royal Arch Chapter of Jerusalem, at Chestertown, and was attached to Lodge No. 15, now Washington Lodge, No. 3." This chapter finally was merged with Concordia in 1822.

(1) "History of Masonry and Concordant Orders," p. 616. (2) Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1826, p. 82.

Companion Schultz informs us: (1) "It is probable that Royal Arch Chapters were attached to most of the active Lodges in the State. Hiram Lodge, No. 27, at Port Tobacco, as we have seen, resolved to open a 'Royal Arch Chapter.' There is evidence to show that more than one dispensation was granted in the year 1797. Brother David Kerr was at the time Grand Master, and by virtue of the power and control of the Royal Arch Degree, believed to be inherent in Grand Masters, issued his dispensations for the formation of these several Chapters which then, in connection with the Chapter attached to Washington Lodge, formed, June 24, 1897, the first Independent Grand Chapter in the United States. The Grand Chapter claimed to have been organized in 1796 in Pennsylvania, was an appendage to the Grand Lodge of that State, and did not become independent until the year 1824."

In the above statement of Companion Schultz we heartily concur. The Grand Chapter of 1797 in Maryland became dormant in 1803, and was revived in 1807, according to documents shown in Companion Schultz's history. (2)

A Grand Royal Arch Convention was held by the H. Royal Arch Chapters in the State of Maryland and District of Columbia in the city of Washington on January 21, 1807. Washington, Concordia, and St John's chapters of Baltimore, Federal and Washington Naval of Washington City and Potomac Chapter of Georgetown of the District of Columbia were present by their representatives. This Convention resolved unanimously to organize a Grand Chapter for the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia. They elected the Grand Officers, and opened the Grand Chapter in ample form. A committee was appointed to frame a constitution, which reported, and their report was unanimously adopted.

The degrees recognized by this Grand Chapter were Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch.

We make the following extract from Companion Schultz's Freemasonry in Maryland: (3)

"Since the finding of these books (old Records), documents have been brought to light, which in connection with them throw much light upon the early history of the Grand R.A. Chapter of Maryland, and the District of Columbia, which as it will be seen

(1) History of Capitular Masonry in Maryland," pp. 321, 322, 323. (2) Ibid. (3) Vol. i., pp. 317, 318.

was the title of the body subsequently formed by the representatives of the chapters in Baltimore and Washington."

The great care, diligence, and indefatigable zeal of Companion Schultz manifested in his history, deserve especial mention by all succeeding historians of Masonry, for his valuable additions to the ancient history of Masonry in Maryland in all the branches - and we continue our extracts:

"Some months since we learned that the Masonic papers of Philip P. Eckel, which were supposed to have been lost or entirely destroyed, were in the possession of his granddaughter, Mrs. David J. Bishop, living in this city (Baltimore), and who has since most kindly placed them at our disposal. These papers were found to be of great interest as they disclosed the existence of Masonic bodies held in Baltimore prior to the year 1800, that were not previously known or mentioned by any Masonic writer."

Brother Eckel was perhaps the most active and zealous Mason that ever lived in this jurisdiction; there is scarcely a record or document existing in this State, from about 1792 to 1828, that does not mention his name in some capacity. Mackey says: "He was one of the most distinguished and enlightened Masons of his day;" and we add to this that he was evidently an "Inspector General" of the A.'. A.'. S.'. Rite. Companion Schultz furnishes facsimile copies of several of the documents referred to, and to prove that a Grand Chapter existed in Baltimore is such a copy of a "dispensation" from David Kerr, Grand High-Priest, to Philip P. Eckel as High-Priest, to assemble a sufficient number of Companions to open and hold a chapter of Royal Arch Masons, etc., in Baltimore, which was to continue in force until June 20, 1797. This dispensation is dated May 8, 1797.

No further records or documents of any description have been discovered in reference to the Grand Chapter organized in 1807, and the reorganization which occurred in the year 1814. On May 9th of that year delegates from Chapters Nos. 1, 2, and 3 met in the city of Baltimore, when a constitution for the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Maryland and District of Columbia was adopted and Grand Officers elected. (1)

This Grand Chapter continued with above title until the withdrawal of the chapters located in the District of Columbia, except

(1) Schultz's "History of Maryland," vol. i., p. 325.

Potomac, No. 8, at Georgetown, which elected to remain under the jurisdiction of Maryland. This severance was done by the authority of the General Grand Chapter, August 30, 1822. (1)

After this the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia ceased to exist, the chapters in Washington City and Alexandria had no Grand Head until 1841, when steps were taken to place the chapters in the District of Columbia under the jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of Maryland. (2) This condition continued until May 7, 1867, when the three chapters in the District of Columbia which were under the jurisdiction of Maryland and District of Columbia, viz. : Columbia, Washington, and Mount Vernon, were duly organized, and constituted the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia.

That this was regularly and lawfully accomplished, we refer to the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter for 1865. The following was referred to a committee:

"Resolved, That the Royal Arch Chapters in the District of Columbia or any three of them, are hereby authorized to establish a Grand Chapter for the District of Columbia; and whenever such Grand Chapter shall be organized, the jurisdiction now exercised over the chapters taking part in the same, by the Grand Chapter of Maryland, shall cease." (3) That committee reported in 1868, and the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia was sustained.

Massachusetts.

The Royal Arch Chapter of St. Andrew's was one of the three original chapters which met in convention in Boston, October 24, 1797, and issued the "Circular," which invited the assembling of a convention in Hartford, Ct., January 24, 1798, "to form and open a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and to establish a Constitution for the government and regulation of all the chapters that now are or may be hereafter erected within the said States." (4)

The first notice of conferring the Royal Arch degree which we find was August 28, 1769, in St Andrew's Chapter, called "Royal Arch Lodge," under the sanction of St. Andrew's Lodge Charter, No. 82, under the Registry of Scotland.

From August 12, 1769, until 1788, the title "Royal Arch Master" was employed.

(1) Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1826, P. 77. (2) Ibid., 1841, p. 161; 1842, p. 181. (3) Ibid., i865, P. 31. (4) "Compendium," p. 7.

Michigan

At the fifth regular meeting, of the General Grand Chapter, held September 9, 1819, the committee reported that the General Grand High-Priest had granted a dispensation to Monroe Chapter, No. 1, at Detroit, December 3, 1818. (1)

At the twelfth meeting of the General Grand Chapter a dispensation was reported as having been granted, by the Dep. General Grand High-Priest, May 16, 1844, to St Joseph's Valley Chapter, No. 2, at Niles. (2) Also the same officer reported, at the thirteenth meeting, held September 14, 1847, that a dispensation had been granted (without date) to Jackson Chapter, No. 3, in Jackson. (3)

A Charter was granted to Monroe Chapter, No. 1, September 11, 1819; (4) and at the sesion of September 14, 1847, a Charter was granted to St. Joseph's Valley, No. 2; (5) and September 16, 1847, to Jackson Chapter, No. 3, (6) by vote of the General Grand Chapter. The General Grand Scribe, in January, 1848, (7) authorized the chapters in Michigan to meet and organize a Grand Chapter for the State.

Minnesota.

The first notice of Royal Arch Masonry, in the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter, we find at the fifteenth meeting, held September 17, 1853, when the committee reported that "a number of companions at St. Paul, Minn., have petitioned the General Grand King for a dispensation," and recommended a dispensation to be issued by the present Deputy General Grand High-Priest. (8)

At the triennial session, September 11, 1856, a Charter was granted. (9) Dispensations were issued by the General Grand High- Priest to the following chapters: Vermillion, No. 2, in Hastings, June 20, 1857; St. Anthony Falls, No. 3, in St. Anthony, January 5, 1858. On September 14, 1859, charters were granted to these.

A convention was held, by authority of Compn. Albert G. Mackey, General Grand High-Priest, dated December 1, 1859, in St. Paul, December 17, 1859, a constitution was adopted and the Grand Chapter of Minesota was regularly organized.

(1) "Compendium," p. 60. (2) Ibid., p. 182. (3) Ibid., p. 209. (4) Ibid., p. 60. (5) Ibid., p. 209. (6) Ibid., p. 225. (7) Ibid., p. 254. (8) Proceedings, 1853, p. 320. (90 Ibid., 1856, p. 373.

Mississipi

At the sixth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held September 14, 1826, the General Grand High-Priest reported having issued a dispensation to a chapter at Port Gibson, Miss. On the 15th at the same meeting, a Charter was granted. (1)

September 14, 1841, it was reported that a dispensation was issued to Vicksburg Chapter, June 17, 1840; and a Charter was granted September 17, 1841. At the twelfth session, September 10, 1844, (2) the Deputy General Grand High-Priest reported having issued dispensations to chapters in Mississippi as follows, viz. : to Columbus Chapter, February 7, 1842; and to Jackson, August 28, 1843. The General Grand High-Priest reported having issued a dispensation to a chapter at Holly Springs, October 30, 1841. (3) At the thirteenth session, September 14, 1847, the General Deputy Grand High-Priest reported that he had authorized the consecration of three chapters in Mississippi since the session of 1844, for which charters had been ordered at that time, viz. : Columbus Chapter, at Columbus; Jackson Chapter, at Jackson; and Wilson Chapter, at Holly Springs. (4) He also reported having issued two dispensations to organize chapters: Carrollton Chapter, No. 7, at Carrollton; and Yazoo Chapter, No. 8, in Yazoo County. (5)

In compliance with a petition from the chapters in Mississippi, the General Deputy Grand High-Priest reported that, March 12, 1846, he had granted permission for those chapters to form a Grand Chapter for that State; and he had been officially notified that the Grand Chapter had been duly organized, May 18, 1846. (6)

Missouri

At the regular meeting of the General Grand Chapter (September 11, 1819) it was reported that the Grand High-Priest had granted a dispensation to form a chapter in Missouri Territory, at St. Louis, on April 3, 1819, (7) and a Warrant was granted, September 16, 1826, (8) at the sixth meeting.

(1) Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1798-1856, p. 89. (2) Ibid., p. 163. (3) Ibid., P. 78. (4) Ibid., p. 209. (5) Ibid., p. 209. (6) Ibid., p. 210. (7) Ibid., p. 56. (8) Ibid., p. 83

At the tenth meeting, September 14, 1838, the General Grand Scribe reported that a dispensation had been issued for a Charter to Palmyra Chapter, No. 2 (1) (no date given). The committee recommended a Charter to be issued whenever the provisions of the constitution should have been complied with. A Charter, however, was not given by the General Grand Chapter, but after the formation of the Grand Chapter of Missouri, it was given October 16, 1847.

At the twelfth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held September 10, 1844, (2) the Deputy General Grand High-Priest reported having issued dispensations to Liberty Chapter, No. 3, at Liberty, February 7, 1842; one to Weston Chapter, No. 4, at Weston, January 17, 1843; and one to Booneville Chapter, No. 6, at Booneville, March 3, 1843; one to La Fayette Chapter, No. 5, September 11, 1844. Charters were ordered to all chapters reported by the committee, viz.: Nos. 3, 4, 5, and 6. (3)

At the thirteenth meeting, held September 14, 1847, it was reported by the Deputy General Grand High-Priest that since the session of 1844 he had issued a dispensation to consecrate Booneville Chapter, No. 6, and he had issued dispensations to organize St. Louis Chapter, No. 8, at St. Louis, and Hannibal Chapter, No. 7, at Hannibal, No. On September 17, 1847, charters were ordered to be issued to Hannibal, No. 7, and St. Louis, No. 8. (4)

The convention to organize a Grand Chapter for the State of Missouri met in St. Louis, October 16, 1846, and the delegates of Chapters Nos. 1. 2, 5, and 6 were present, and did organize the Grand Chapter.

In the report of the General Grand Secretary of the General Grand Chapter, at the thirteenth meeting, held September 14, 1847, he states :

"In the month of November, 1846, I received notice of the formation of a Grand Chapter for the State of Missouri, purporting to be by authority from the General Grand Officers. This, however, was an error; and on being informed by me that there had been no such authority given, it is believed no further proceedings have been had in the matter." (5)

(1) Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1798-1856, p. 153. (2) Ibid., p. 181. (3) Ibid., p. 185. (4) Ibid., p. 232. (5) Ibid., p. 206.

We find the following minute in the proceedings of that day "To the General Grand Chapter:

"The Committee to whom was referred the action of the Grand Chapter of Missouri, have had the same under consideration, and respectfully report

"That the Grand Chapter of Missouri was formed, as we think, by the Chapters thereof in good faith, believing that they were fully authorized to do so, from conversations and correspondence with the Comp. General Grand Secretary. Your Committee, however, believe that this organization was not strictly in conformity with the Constitution of this General Grand Chapter; therefore,

"Resolved, That all irregularities be removed, and that said Grand Chapter of Missouri be fully recognized, and that its representatives be invited to seats in this General Grand Chapter." (1)

Compn. J.W.S. Mitchell, of the Grand Chapter of Missouri, offered the following:

"Resolved, That the Chapters working by dispensation under this jurisdiction in Missouri be, and they are, required to pay dues to this General Grand Chapter up to the period when a Grand Chapter was organized in the said State of Missouri, viz. : October, 1846," (2) which was adopted.

Montana.

The organization of the Grand Chapter of Montana, at Helena, June 25, 1891, was consummated in accordance with a call of the chapters and a Warrant which had been issued by the General Grand High-Priest, Companion David F. Day.

The chapters constituting the Grand Chapter were:

Dispensation Charter Virginia City, No. 1, at Virginia City, July 14, 1866 December 18, 1868 Helena, No. 2, at Helena, December, 1867 December 18, 1868 Deer Lodge, No. 3, at Butte City, October 10, 1874 November 25, 1874 Valley, No. 4, at Deer City, July 22, 1880 August 27, 1880 Yellow Stone, No. 5, at Miles City, January 2, 1886 October 1, 1886 Billings, No. 6, at Billings, May 6, 1886 October 1, 1886 Livingston, No. 7, at Livingston, July 15, 1886 October 1, 1886 Dillon, No. 8, at Dillon, January 15, 1887 November 22, 1889 Great Falls, No. 9, at Great Falls, March 13, 1889 NOvember 22, 1889

(1) Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1798 - 1856, p. 219 (2) Ibid., p. 231

Nebraska.

At the triennial communication of the General Grand Chapter, held September 8, 1865, the General Grand King reported:

"On the 21st day of November, 1859, I granted to sundry Companions at the City of Omaha, in Nebraska Territory, a dispensation to form and open a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons at that place, to be called Omaha Chapter, No. 1." He also reported having issued a dispensation, January 25, 1860, to Keystone Chapter, No. 2, at Nebraska City. Also that on July 13, 1864, a dispensation had been granted to Nebraska Chapter, No. 3, at Plattsmouth. (1) On the same day (September 8, 1865) charters were granted to all three of the above chapters. (2)

By permission of the Deputy General Grand High-Priest a convention was held, March 19, 1867, and the Grand Chapter of Nebraska was regularly organized.

Nevada.

At the triennial of the General Grand Chapter, held September 8, 1865, the General Grand High-Priest reported having issued a dispensation, in May, 1863, to "Lewis Chapter," at Carson City, Nevada, which name was a compliment to himself (3) (John L. Lewis). This chapter received the Charter, dated September 8, 1865. (4) A dispensation was issued to Virginia Chapter, at Virginia City. (5) From the report, in the proceedings, it is very uncertain when the dispensation was issued. The Charter was ordered September 18, 1868. A dispensation was granted to Austin Chapter, at Austin, October, 1866, and a Charter, September 18, 1868. A dispensation was issued to White Pine Chapter, at Hamilton, January 10, 1871; and a Charter, September 20, 1871. (6)

A convenion of these four chapters was held by authority of the General Grand High-Priest, November 18, 1873.

From the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter for November 21, 1874, we see in the report of the General Grand Secretary that a dispensation had been issued to St. John's Chapter, at Eureka, April 26, 1873; and also to Keystone Chapter, at Pioche,

(1) Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1865, P. 25. (2) Ibid., p. 31. (3) Ibid., p. 23. (4) Ibid., p. 31. (5) Ibid., p. 23. (6) Ibid., 1871, p. 33.

June 12, 1873. (1) The General Grand Secretary says: "The Chapters organized U.'. D.'.in Nevada, made returns and paid dues to date of the organization of the Grand Chapter of Nevada, of which they became components, in accordance with a custom hitherto approved by the General Grand Chapter." (2)

New Hampshire.

In the session of the General Grand Chapter of the United States, held June 6, 1816, we find that the General Grand King reported that he had granted warrants or charters for St. Andrew's Chapter at Hanover, January 27, 1817; Trinity Chapel, at Hopkinton, February 16, 1807; Washington Chapter, in Portsmouth, November, 1815; Cheshire Chapter, at Keene, May 4, 1816; (2) and at this session the warrants were confirmed June 7, 1816. (4)

The Grand Chapter of New Hampshire was organized on June 10, 1819, and the General Grand Chapter was duly notified by John Harris, of New Hampshire, August 21, 1819, and the Grand Chapter was recognized by the General Grand Chapter at the session held September 9, 1819. (5) The General Grand High-Priest issued a Warrant to Union Mark Lodge, No. 1, in Claremont, July 3, 1818 (6) which subsequently passed under the jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of New Hampshire.

New Jersey.

The first official notice we find of the introduction of capitular Masonry in New Jersey, is in the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter for June 6, 1816. The General Grand Scribe had granted a Warrant or Charter to Washington Chapter, Newark, May 26, 1813; to Cincinnati Mark Lodge, No. 1, Hanover, April, 1811; and to Union Mark Lodge, No. 2, Orange. (7)

At the triennial meeting, held September 16, 1826, the report of the General Grand High-Priest stated that a dispensation had been granted by him to Franklin Chapter, No. 3, and a Charter was granted. (8)

(1) Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1874, p. 41 (2) Ibid., P. 41. (3) There were no meetings of General Grand Chapter between 1806 and 1816. (4) "Compendium," fifth meeting of General Grand Chapter of United States, p. 56. (5) Ibid., p. 55. (6) Ibid., p. 60. (7) Proceedings of General Grand Chapter for 1797 to 1856, p. 45.

(8) Ibid., p. 78.

A special committee reported September 10th that a Charter had been granted to the State of New jersey, enabling the respective chapters therein to form and hold a Grand Chapter in the said State, by the Most Excellent General Grand High-Priest. (1)

At the triennial session, September 10, 1819, a communication from a Companion from the State of New jersey on the subject of forming a Grand Chapter being referred to a committee, they repored, that it appears that there are two chapters in the State of New Jersey under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter, and one under the authority of the State of Pennsylvania, which does not acknowledge the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter. The committee were of the opinion that a Grand Chapter could not be formed until there were three chapters acknowledging the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter, which was accepted by that body. (2)

A dispensation was granted, September 23, 1854, to Enterprise Chapter, No. 2, at Jersey City, (3) and which was reported at the triennial meeting, September 9, 1856, and February 23, 1856, a dispensation was issued by the General Grand High-Priest to Boudinot Chapter, No. 5, at Burlington.

It was reported by the committee:

"Union Chapter, No. 1, Newark, is the only regularly Chartered Chapter now immediately subordinate to this General Grand Chapter. The following chapters have been working under dispensations from the General Grand Officers from the dates of their dispensations to this time, viz. : Enterprise, No. 2, jersey City; and Boudinot, No. 5, Burlington. (5) Hiram Chapter, No. 4, Eatontown, having been recognized by the General Grand High-Priest as heretofore stated, now stands a regular subordinate on the register of this General Grand Chapter." (6)

We find nothing said subsequently of the Grand Chapter of New Jersey. A resolution was adopted in the General Grand Chapter at its session, September 17, 1841, that Hiram Chapter at Trenton be advised to place itself under the jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of the State of New York, and that said Grand Chapter be advised to legalize the proceedings of Hiram Chapter subsequent to the dissolution of the Grand Chapter of New Jersey. (7)

(1) Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1797-1856, pp. 77, 82. (2) Ibid., p. 54. (3) Ibid., p. 364. (4) Ibid., p. 365. (5) Ibid., p. 365. (6) Ibid., p. 365. (7) Ibid., p. 168.

The Deputy General Grand High-Priest issued a dispensation to Union Chapter, No. 1, for Newark, March 13, 1848, and reported the same at the triennial held September 10, 1850, and also to Newark Chapter, No. 2, March 20, 1848 both of these had charters granted September 12, 1850. (2)

The General Grand Secretary reported at the session held September 13, 1853, viz- : "On the 23d of december I received from the Deputy General Grand High-Priest a letter from the High- Priest of Newark Chapter, stating the loss of the Charter of said Chapter; which letter was endorsed by Comp. Stapleton, advising the issuing of a dispensation enabling the Chapter to continue its work; which dispensation was issued by the General Grand High-Priest." (3)

It appears, however, that subsequently, September 17, 1853, Newark, No. 2 was merged into Union Chapter.

The peculiar condition of Royal Arch Masonyy in New jersey continued for some considerable length of time, and was not satisfactorily settled until the organization of the Grand Chapter, February 13, 1857.

Hiram Chapter, which, as above shown, was transferred to the jurisdiction of New York Grand Chapter, by the resolution of the General Grand Chapter, September 17, 1841, again desired to be under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter; and in July, 1853, requested of the Grand Chapter of New York to be transferred thereto. At the triennial of the General Grand Chapter, the report of the General Grand Secretary shows: "Upon examining the papers which came into my possession at our last triennial meeting, after the adjournment, I found among them a petition from the officers and members of Hiram Chapter, No. 4, Eatontown, New Jersey, directed to the General Grand Chapter, dated February 3, 1852, setting forth that, that Chapter was, many years before, chartered by the Grand Chapter of New Jersey, and continued to work under said Charter, so long as that Grand Chapter was in existence. That it was then 'taken under the fostering care of the Grand Chapter of New York, to which it had ever since been subservient,' and praying to be acknowledged and registered as one of the subordinates of this General Grand Chapter. To the

(1) Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1797-1856, p. 250. (2) Ibid., p. 257. (3) Ibid., p. 293.

petition was appended full power from the Grand Chapter of New York to the petitioner to transfer their allegiance from the Grand Chapter of New York to this General Grand Chapter. That petition seems, from the endorsement upon it, in the hand writing of Compn. Swigert, who acted as my assistant, to have been referred to the Committee on Chapters and Dispensations. It is not mentioned in the proceedings." (1) A correspondence ensued between the High-Priest of Hiram Chapter and the General Grand High-Priest Hon. R.P. Dunlap, who finally directed the General Grand Secretary to register Hiram Chapter on the roll of chapters subordinate to the General Grand Chapter, which was done November 14, 1854, and the High-Priest George Finch was duly notified thereof, and thereafter the returns were regularly made as a subordinate chapter to the General Grand Body. (2) A Charter was ordered for Hiram Chapter, September 11, 1856. (3)

The following chapters applied to the General Grand High-Priest for his consent to organize a Grand Chapter, viz. : Newark Chapter, No. 2; Hiram Chapter, No. 4, and Boudinot Chapter, No. 5. This approval was dated January 24, 1857, and the Grand Chapter was regularly organized February 13, 1857.

New York.

It is very well settled that the Royal Arch degree was conferred in that jurisdiction under lodge charters, as it was elsewhere in the colonies, and prior to the formation of the Grand Chapter for the New England States and New York in 1798.

A Warrant was issued by the Duke of Athol, September 5, 1781, making Rev. William Walter the Provincial Grand Master, authorizing him to form a Provincial Grand Lodge in the city of New York. The first meeting of this provincial body was held December 5, 1782. At that date nine lodges existed in the city, and there were six military lodges of the British Army. It is supposed by some writers, and probably it was correct, that Washington Chapter, of New York, styled the "Mother Chapter," originated in the above-mentioned Provincial Grand Lodge. The early records of Washington Chapter were destroyed by fire in New York, consequently

(1) Proceedings of General Grand Chapter for 1797 to 1856, p. 361. (2) Ibid., 1856, p. 361. (3) Ibid., 1856, p. 373.

its origin is unknown. It, however, granted warrants for other chapters through a nurnber of years, Hiram Chapter in Newtown, Ct., dated April 29, 1791, being the first one now known.

The following chapters assembled in convention in Albany, March 14, 1798, and organized and established a Deputy Grand Chapter subordinate to the Grand Chapter of the Northern States for the State of New York, viz. : Hudson, of Hudson, instituted in 1796; Temple, of Albany, instituted February 14, 1799; Horeb, of Whitestown; Hibernian, of New York City; and Montgomery, of Stillwater; dates of these three not known. Comp. Thomas Frothingham was elected Chairman and Comp. Sebastian Vischer, Secretary. The constitution was read by Compn. Thomas Smith Webb, and Compn. De Witt Clinton was elected Deputy Grand High-Priest; John Hammer, Dep. Grand Secretary.

From the first, warrants were issued to organize Mark lodges and chapters, and prosperity attended the Royal Craft. Thirty-three chapters and three Mark lodges were represented in the Grand Chapter in 1820. The chapters increased to fifty-three in 1829, and sixty-one were represented in 1853; while in 1839 and 1840, following the Morgan affair, about thirteen only were reported.

As New York is the most populous State in the Union, so also does Masonry take the lead as to numbers in all the branches in Masonry.

The General Grand Chapter met in the city of New York in 1816, 1819, 1826, 1829, and 1841. DeWitt Clinton served as General Grand High-Priest from 1816 to 1826; Edward Livingston, 1829 to 1835; John L. Lewis in 1865, and James M. Austin in 1868.

At the meeting of the Grand Chapter of the Northern States, held January 10, 1799, Section 1 of Article 1. of the Constitution was changed, and that body assumed the title of General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for the six Northern States of America enumerated in the preamble. (1) The State organizations were, by Article II, Section I, required to drop the prefix Deputy," and were designated as "Grand Chapters."

(1) Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1797 to 1856, p. 19, and at p. 10 at session, January 26, 1798. The six are enumerated in the preamble and New York is also added.

North Carolina.

At the thirteenth meeting of the General Grand Chapter of the United States, held September 14, 1847, in the city of Columbus, O., we find the following report of the General Grand Secretary, viz. :

"In the State of North Carolina there is no Grand Chapter. The time was when such an institution existed there as a constituent of the General Grand Chapter; but it is believed that it ceased to exist about twenty years ago. There are said to be Chapters at Halifax, Tarborough, Fayetteville, and Wilmington; but they are not in correspondence with the General Grand Chapter, although some of them, if not all, were instituted under its immediate jurisdiction."

"Note. - Since the foregoing was written I have received a printed copy of the Minutes of a Convention of delegates from the several chapters, by which it appears a Grand Chapter has been reorganized for the State of North Carolina. Whether this organization be in strict compliance with the Constitution or not, there can be no doubt it was the intention of the chapters so to do, as the whole proceeding seems to be with a view of regaining their former position in the Confederation."

We have carefully referred to the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter, from the thirteenth meeting in 1847 back to the commencement of 1797, and find that the first notice of a chapter in North Carolina was at the fourth meeting, June 6, 1816, being a special in consequence of a lapse in 1813, reported when a Charter was to have been issued to Concord Chapter, at Wilmington, May 4, 1815, by the General Grand King. He had also issued a Charter to Phoenix Chapter, at Fayetteville, September 1, 1815. (1)

We found also that at the sixth meeting, held September 14, 1826, (2) the Deputy General Grand High-Priest, Compn. Fowle, had granted a Warrant to Wadesborough Chapter, at Wadesborough, in 1822 (no date given). At this meeting there was no delegate present from North Carolina. When the "Memorial" of the Grand Chapter of Kentucky was presented to the General Grand Chapter

(1) "Compendium," p. 46. (2) Ibid., p. 72.

at its sixth meeting, September 14, 1826, asking for a dissolution of the latter body, it was referred to a committee, and at the same meeting the committee reported the answers of all the Grand Chapters, and North Carolina is stated as concurring with the Kentucky Grand Chapter's resolution. (1) At the meeting of the General Grand Chapter (September 14, 1847) above referred to, the matter concerning a Grand Chapter in North Carolina being referred to a committee, the following report was made:

"That they have had the same under consideration and find their proceedings to be regular. They assembled as appears by their printed proceedings, on the 28th of June, 1847; three chapters were represented; they proceeded to elect Officers and adopt a Constitution; in which, however, your committee would remark there appear to be several unconstitutional articles or sections, and we would respectfully recommend that the Grand Chapter of North Carolina be recognized as a legal Grand Chapter on their altering and amending their constitution to conform to that of this General Grand Chapter in the following particulars noted by your committee (2) (omitted). Which recommendation was adopted." So that the Grand Chapter of North Carolina was legally authorized September 16, 1847.

At the fourteenth triennial session, September 15, 1850, Companion L.L. Stephenson was present as proxy, for the Grand High-Priest. (3)

North Dakota.

After the chapters located in South Dakota, by consent of the Grand Chapter of Dakota, on January 6, 1890, had organized their Grand Chapter, on January 9th following, the representatives of Missouri, No. 6, at Bismarck; Casselton, No. 7, at Casselton; Cheyenne, No. 9, at Valley City; Keystone, No. 11, at Fargo; Jamestown, No. 13, at Jamestown; Lisbon, No. 29, at Lisbon, met in convention, and were constituted, by Companion Theodore S. Parvin, by authority of a dispensation from the General Grand High-Priest, Noble D. Larner, and the Grand Chapter of North Dakota was organized in ample form with the following constituent chapters: Missouri, No. 1, at Bismarck; Casselton, No. 2, at

(1) "Compendium," p. 70. (2) Ibid., p. 155. (3) Ibid., p. 175.

Casselton; Corinthian, No. 3, at Grand Forks; Cheyenne, No. 4, at Valley City; Keystone, No. 5, at Fargo; Jamestown, No. 6, at Jamestown; Lisbon, No. 7, at Lisbon.

The first annual convocation was held on Grand Forks, June 18, 1890. The membership reported of the seven chapters was three hundred and fifty-five.

Ohio.

The very first notice of Royal Arch Masonry in Ohio is found in the proceedings of the fourth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held June 6, 1816, where it is reported that the General Grand Scribe had granted a Warrant or dispensation to Washington Chapter at Chillicothe, O., September 20, 1815, (1) which was confirmed on June 7, 1816. (2) The Committee on Examination of Credentials reported :

"On examination it appears that American Union Chapter, of Marietta, originated in the year 1792; that Cincinnati Chapter existed prior to the 27th of January, 1798; that Horeb Chapter had authority from the Deputy Grand High-Priest of the State of Maryland and District of Columbia dated 8th March, 1815, which Grand Chapter is in connection with the General Grand Chapter of the United States." (3)

Cincinnati Chapter started the effort to form a Grand Chapter by sending an invitation to the other chapters to meet at Worthington, October 21, 1816; and on the 24th of that month the Grand Chapter was regularly organized. The chapters constituting the Grand Chapter were: American Union, No. 1; Cincinnati, No. 2; Horeb, No. 3; Washington, No. 4.

At the fifth meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held September 9, 1819, it was " Voted, That the Grand Chapter of Ohio be now received into the Union of the State Grand Chapters, under the jurisdiction of this General Grand Chapter." (4)

(1) Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1797-1856, p. 45. (2) Ibid., P. 45. (3) "History of Masonry and Concordant Orders," p. 626. The above quotation is taken from the history of the "Capitular degrees," by Comp. Alfred F. Chapman, who stated: "On the second day of the Meeting a Committee was appointed to examine the Credentials and reported as follows : " viz., the above quotation. (4) Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1797-1856, p. 52.

Pennsylvania.

Grand H.R.A. Chapter. - The first chapter of R.A. Masons formed in Pennsylvania was that working under the Warrant of Lodge No. 3, and its date was anterior to 1758. From that period until the fall of the year 1795 all Royal Arch chapters were attached to subordinate lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge. At an Extra Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, held November 17, 1795, "A letter was received and read, signed by Brother Matthias Sadler, as Grand High-Priest of a Grand Royal Arch Chapter, by him said to be established under the several warrants of Lodges No. 19, 52, and 67, held in the city of Philadelphia, and, on motion, the Grand Lodge considering such action irregular, suspended the warrants of the three lodges named until the next Grand Communication. At an adjourned meeting of the Grand Lodge, held November 23, 1795, the committee appointed on the 17th of same month to take into consideration the action of Lodge 52, etc., reported fully on the matter and offered the following resolutions, which were adopted :

"'Whereas, The supreme Masonic jurisdiction over all Lodges of Ancient York Masons, held in Pennsylvania, has uniformly been and is duly and legally vested in the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania;

"'And whereas, The number of Royal Arch Masons is greatly increased, insomuch that other Chapters are established in this city and in other parts of Pennsylvania;

"'And whereas. It was always contemplated that such Chapters, regularly held, should be under the protection of this Grand Lodge;

"'And whereas. It is the prevailing wish of the Royal Arch Masons within this jurisdiction that a Royal Arch Grand Chapter should be opened under the authority of this Grand Lodge. Be it therefore, and it is hereby resolved, that a Grand Royal Arch Chapter be opened under the immediate sanction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania."'

At a meeting ot tne Grand Lodge, held March 5, 1798, "Rules and Regulations for the government of the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter, held under the protection of, and supported by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, unanimously agreed to and established a Grand Chapter, held in Philadelphia, February 24, 1798," were confirmed.

In the declaration, preceding these rules and regulations, was the following:

"Ancient Masonry consists of four degrees, the three first of which are that of the Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the sublime degree of Master; and a brother being well versed in these degrees, and having discharged the offices of his lodge, particularly that of Master, and fulfilled the duties thereof with the approbation of the brethren of his lodge, is eligible, on due trial and examination by the Chiefs of the Chapter to whom he shall have applied, and by them found worthy of being admitted to the fourth degree, The Holy Royal Arch."

The first of the rules declared:

"That no Chapter of Holy Royal Arch shall be held or convened within the commonwealth of Pennsylvania or Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging, but under the authority and sanction of a regular subsisting warrant granted by the Grand Lodge according to the old institutions, and by the consent of said lodge first signified to the Grand Chapter."

Subsequently the degrees of Mark Master and Most Excellent Master were permitted to be conferred (so as to enable Companions of Pennsylvania to enter chapters in other States), but the conferring of them was not to be considered as a recognition of them as degrees of Ancient York Masonry.

This state of affairs continued until May 17, 1824, when the dependent Grand Chapter to the Grand Lodge was closed sine die. and on the same day, "At a meeting of the Companions of the Holy Royal Arch, convened at the Masonic Hall," it was "Resolved, That the Companions now present do organize themselves into a Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter," and on the 24th of the same month officers were elected, Companion Michael Nisbet being the first Grand High-Priest of the Independent Grand Chapter, and which now controls all the degrees of its sister Grand Chapters with the exception of that of Past Master, which the Grand Lodge still controls.

The Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania is not a constituent of the General Grand Chapter of the United States.

Rhode Island.

Washington Chapter, "Mother," of New York, gave a Charter to Providence Royal Arch Chapter, September 3, 1793, and was with the other chapters in the organization of the Grand Chapter of Rhode Island, March 12, 1798. This Grand Chapter took part in the organization of the General Grand Chapter (1) and continued therewith until the war period (1861-65), and as the General Grand Chapter's sessions were thereby interrupted, this Grand Chapter, as well as some others, held that in consequence of the non-attendance at the regular sessions, the General Grand Chapter had been dissolved, and the Grand Body remained out of the Union until the session held October 12, 1897, when she again sent her representatives and rejoined the Union.

This action was resolved upon at the ninety-ninth annual convocation of the Grand Chapter of Rhode Island, held March 9, 1897. (2)

South Carolina.

A Warrant was granted by the Grand Chapter of New York, February 1, 1803, to Carolina Chapter, in Charleston. (3) At the third regular meeting of the General Grand Chapter, January 9, 1806, the Gencral Grand Officers reported having granted a Warrant for a chapter at Beaufort, S.C., by the name of Unity Chapter, which was then confirmed. (4) The dispensation for this chapter had been issued March 1, 1805.

In consequence of the war with Great Britain there was no meeting of the General Grand Chapter until 1816, which was the fourth, being a special. At the meeting of 1806 a petition for a chapter in Charleston, by Bryan Sweeny and others, was presented and refused, because it was not recommended by any adjacent chapter. (5)

The Grand Chapter for the State of South Carolina was instituted May 29, 1812. We can not find any reference to the organization of the Grand Chapter of South Carolina in the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter; but at the fourth meeting, held

(1) "Compendium of Proceedings General Grand Chapter of United States," p. 8. (2) Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1897, P. 29. (3) Proceedings Grand Chapter of New York in "History of Masonry and Concordant Orders," p. 629. (4) Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1806, p. 30. (5) Ibid., p. 31.

June 6, 1816, Thos. Smith Webb is reported as proxy for Wm. Voung, the Grand High-Priest, and Foster Burnet as proxy for Benj. Phillips, Grand Scribe; therefore, that Grand Chapter was duly recognized as a constituent of the General Grand Chapter. We must presume that during the war period, as was reported to the General Grand Chapter, "the situation of the country was such at that time as to render it highly inconvenient for the General Grand Chapter to convene." (1) This Grand Chapter was also represented at the meetings held in 1826 and 1829, and not again until 1844, and then not until 1859.

During the years 1861 to 1865 that Grand Chapter refused to withdraw its allegiance: "And, by a resolution adopted in 1861, the oaths of office and of initiation have included allegiance to the General Grand Chapter," was stated with pride, in the sessions of 1862-65 by Albert Mackey, General Grand High-Priest and Past Grand High-Priest of the Grand Chapter of South Carolina. (2)

South Dakota.

When it was decided by the chapters of Dakota Grand Chapter to organize two Grand Chapters, viz., for North and South Dakota, a convention was held by all the chapters located in South Dakota.

There were present the representatives of the following chapters, viz.: Yankton, No. 1, at Yankton; Aberdeen, No. 14, at Aberdeen; Mitchell, No. 16, at Mitchell; Brookings, No. 18, at Brookings; Orient, No. 19, at Flandreau; Rabboni, No. 23, at Webster. Companion Theodore S. Parvin was present, and by authority of a dispensation issued to him, as Deputy, by General Grand High-Priest Noble D. Larner, which was confirmed by the then General Grand High-Priest David F. Day, he constituted the Grand Chapter of South Dakota in ample form.

Tennessee.

March 2, 1818, the General Grand High-Priest issued a dispensation to Cumberland Chapter, in Nashville, Tenn., (3) which received a Charter at the session of the Gencral Grand Chapter, September 11, 1819. (4)

(1) Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1816, p. 41. (2) Ibid., 1865, p. 11 (3) Ibid., 1819, p. 60. (4) Ibid., p. 60.

At the meeting held September 15, 1826, it was reported that dispensations had been issued to the following chapters, viz. : Franklin Chapter, at Franklin, March 25, 1824; Clarksville Chapter, at Clarksville, December 11, 1824; LaFayette, at Columbia, January 5, 1825. At the same session charters were ordered to be issued. (1) At the session September 16, 1826, the Grand Chapter of Tennessee was regularly recognized as having been duly organized and constituted, (2) and became a constituent of the General Grand Chapter.

Texas.

At the meeting of the General Grand Chapter, held December 1835, an application was made by Comps. Samuel M. Williams, James H. C. Miller, and others associated with them, for a Charter to constitute a chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Texas. (3) The committee, to whom this was referred, recommended, December 9th, that a Warrant or Charter be issued to them by the name of San Filipe de Austin, Royal Arch Chapter, No. 1. (4)

At the meeting held in 1850, Austin Chapter, No. 6, petitioned to have the name changed to Lone Star, No. 6.

At the meeting of General Grand Chapter, September 14, 1850, the following chapters received charters, the General Grand King having reported that dispensations had been issued to them by him, viz. :

Name Dispensation Charter Granted

Washington Chapter, No. 2. May 5, 1848......September 12, 1850 Jerusalem Chapter, No. 3...March 10, 1849...Dispensation contd Trinity Chapter, No. 4... .March 14, 1848...Dispensation contd Brenham Chapter, No. 5.... April 14, 1849...September 12, 1850 Austin changed to Chapter, No. 6. April 14, 1849...September 12, 1850 Lone Star San Jacinto Chapter, No. 7. January 22, 1850.Dispensation contd Washington changed to Chapter, No. 8 No date, 1850....September 13, 1850 Brazos Rising Star Chapter, No. 9 February, 1850...September 14, 1850

Those chapters in the above table having their dispensations continued were recommended and authorized to surrender them,

(1) Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1826, p. 78. (2) Ibid., p. 82. (3) Ibid., 1835, p. 129. (4) Ibid., p. 133 (5) Ibid., 1850, pp. 252, 257, 258, 268, 272.

and receive charters from the Grand Chapter of that State, if one be organized previous to the next meeting of the General Grand Chapter.

"The First Grand Chapter of the Republic of Texas was formed by a convention of Royal Arch Masons, delegates from San Filipe de Austin Chapter, of Galveston; Cyrus Chapter, of Matagorda; Lone Star Chapter, of Austin, and Rising Star Chapter, of San Augustine. The Convention met in the city of Austin on the 14th of December, 1841." (1)

The Grand Chapter was organized and the constitution adopted. San Filipe de Austin Chapter declined to sign the constitution and withdrew from the convention. The constitution was adopted and ratified on December 21, 1841. It was signed by B. Gillespie, Grand High-Priest, and attested by H.W. Raglin, Grand Secretary. Compn. George Lopas, the Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of Texas, in 1895, was instructed to prepare a reprint of the proceedings of the Grand Chapter, which be accomplished, and the valuable results of his labors appear in two beautiful volumes, from which we are enabled to gain all the information as to the condition of capitular Masonry in the State of Texas.

It is probable that no convocation was held in 1842. The proceedings of 1844 to 1849 included, as also the original constitution, were printed and given verbatim in the reprint. The Grand Chapter met in 1848, but the proceedings were not printed.

When, "for the sake of peace and harmony among the Craft," this Grand Chapter was dissolved, there were nine chapters, viz. : Cyrus, No. 1, at Matagorda; Lone Star, No. 3, at Austin; Rising Star, No. 4, at San Augustine: Washington, No. 5, at Washington; De Witt Clinton, No. 6, at Clarksville; Jerusalem, No. 7, at Alta Mira (Fanthorp's) ; Houston, No. 8, at Houston; Brenham, No. 12, at Brenham, and Trinity, No. 13, at Crockett. The compiler, Compn. Lopas, was unable to account for the missing Nos. 2, 9, 10, 11 and was unable to learn of their names or locations. (2)

The chapter San Filipe de Austin, No. 1, to be located at San Filipe de Austin, in consequence of unforeseen events was never opened at that place, but was opened at Galveston, June 2, 1840, four years and a half later. This was reported to the General Grand

(1) "Historical Sketch," by George Lopas, Grand Secretary, 1897, p. 3. (2) Ibid., p. 3.

Chapter in 1844, and, on September 12th, by a resolution adopted, the removal was approved. (1)

A certain Scotchman, Dugald McFarlane, organized a chapter in Matagorda, in 1837, and named it Cyrus Chapter, having neither Warrant or Charter. Doubts having arisen as to its legality, in 1841, they petitioned the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas for a dispensation to open a chapter. A dispensation was issued to them December 10, 1841. At the same time dispensations were also issued to Rising Star Chapter, at San Augustine, and Lone Star Chapter, at Austin. (2)

After the organization of the Grand Chapter they addressed a memorial to the Grand Lodge of Texas, and after setting forth certain reasons therefor, respectfully asked the Grand Lodge "to relinquish and surrender all jurisdiction and control over the Royal Arch Chapters and Royal Arch Masons in the Republic of Texas upon the surrender of the dispensations heretofore granted by your worshipful body." (3)

This was granted by the Grand Lodge of Texas.

All the irregularities of these chapters in Texas in the early years were respectively cured by the action of the General Grand Chapter in the one case of San Filipe de Austin Chapter, and the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas as to the other chapters.

The General Grand Chapter, however, did not recognize the Grand Chapter of Texas as having been regularly constituted, as they had not asked permission to organize from that body, and the General Grand Chapter decided to suppress it by mild means. In 1847 they passed a resolution forbidding Royal Arch Masons under that jurisdiction from holding Masonic intercourse with the Grand Chapter of Texas, its subordinates, and those acknowledging its authority.

"At the formation of the Grand Chapter of Texas in the city of Galveston, December 30, 1850, the following chapters were represented: San Filipe de Austin, No. 1, chartered by the General Grand Chapter, December 9, 1835; Washington, No. 2, Brenham, No. 5, and Brazos, No. 8.

"Of the Chapters organized by authority of the General Grand Chapter, all but San Filipe de Austin, No. 1, surrendered their authority

(1) Proceedings General Grand Chapter, p. 191. (2) Ruthven's Reprint," p. 101. (3) Ibid., vol. i., p. 112.

from the General Grand Chapter to the Grand Chapter of Texas, and received their charters, dated June 25, 1851, and signed by the Grand Officers elected at the second annual convocation in the town of Huntsville, June 24, 1851."

"San Filipe de Austin, No. 1, never received a charter from the Grand Chapter of Texas until June 22, 1860."

"Many of the Companions who belonged to Chapters under the First Grand Chapter of the Republic of Texas, believing the action of the General Grand Chapter in regard to Royal Arch Masonry in Texas unwarranted and unjust, refused to be 'healed' under the new organization, and were thereby debarred from enjoying the privileges for which they had worked so earnestly and long. Others accepted the situation until such time as they should be able to sever an alliance that was unsought and always distasteful."

"The time came in 1861, when, on the 17th of June, the Grand Chapter adopted the following resolution :

"Resolved, That all connection between this Grand Chapter and the General Grand Chapter of the United States is dissolved and forever annihilated by the separation of our State from that government." (1)

The Grand Chapter of Texas has steadily refused all overtures from the General Grand Chapter to return to the fold from which she withdrew in 1861. Tempus aliit omnia" (Time cures all things), and we feel assured that, with the passing away of the present generation, with its prejudices, so will pass away that feeling in the Grand Chapter of Texas which now keeps her out of the fold, especially as some of her best members never left the General Grand Body.

Utah

December 13, 1872, Utah Chapter, No. 1, Salt Lake City, had a dispensation issued, and a Charter was granted November 25, 1874. (2) A dispensation was issued for Ogden Chapter, No. 2, at Ogden, March 11, 1881; and Ontario, No. 3, at Park City, October 26, 1882; and charters to these two were granted August 15, 1883. (3) Utah has no Grand Chapter, and is under the control of the General Grand Chapter.

(1) "Historical Sketch," P. 7. (2) Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1870 p. 56. (3) Ibid., 1883, pp. 96, 97.

Vermont.

The first notice of Royal Arch Masonry we have is in the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter, at its third regular meeting, held January 9, 1806, where it is stated that a communication from Rutland in the State of Vermont, signed by Nicholas Goddard, Grand Secretary, was presented, informing the General Grand Chapter of the formation of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter in the State of Vermont, etc. (1) At this first day of the meeting the General Grand Chapter, by resolution, admitted the said Grand Chapter of Vermont into union with that body. (2)

From the records of the Grand Chapter of New York we learn that a Warrant for a Mark Master Mason's Lodge was granted at Bennington, January 30, 1799. Also that the Deputy Grand High- Priest issued a dispensation to Jerusalem Chapter, in Vergennes, March 25, 1805; and the Grand Chapter granted it a Charter, February 5, 1806. (3)

A Grand Chapter was organized in Vermont, December 20, 1804, but there is no record to be found when, nor by whom, Royal Arch Masonry was introduced into the State. From the proceedings of the Grand Chapter of New York we also learn that in February, 1805, the matter of the formation of a Grand Chapter in Vermont was under consideration, and it was the opinion that there ought to be at least three regular Royal Arch Chapters to form a Grand Chapter, and also they say that "your Committee have had authentic evidence from respectable sources, that there were but three members at the formation of the aforesaid Grand Chapter." (4)

A protest was made against the effort to form the Grand Chapter; nevertheless we find that the General Grand Chapter did recognize the organization of that Grand Chapter, as above stated.

The last annual convocation was held in 1832, six years after the great anti-Masonic excitement commenced, Compn. Nathan B. Haswell (Blessed be his memory) being then Grand High-Priest, who also was present at the triennial convocation of the General Grand Chapter in 1832. At the session of 1844 Compn. Haswell said:

"At the last triennial meeting of your body in New York I had

(1) Proceedings General Grand Chapter, 1806, p. 39. (2) Ibid., P. 29.

(3) "History of Masonry and Concordant Orders," p. 633. (4) Ibid., p. 633.

the honor to present a communication giving an account of the state of Masonry in Vermont. In accordance with a duty I owe the fraternity and in behalf of many good and true Masons in my State I have now further to report that nothing has occurred since that period to warrant the resuming of our Masonic labors.

"In no State of our Union has the anti-Masonic spirit gained so strong a foothold as in Vermont. Although she has been divested of the political power that for years worked her curse, still her old leaders continue restless and troublesome; and under the abolition excitement which now pervades the State they still exert a secret influence hostile to our institution, which time, patience, and perseverance can alone conquer.

"Mortifying and unpleasant as it is to be compelled by the continued force of circumstances to suspend our Masonic labors, prudence dictates a course so important to the well-being and future welfare of the whole fraternity.

"We look forward, however, to a period when we can peacefully resume them and when public opinion shall do us justice, and sanction a course thus adopted; then shall our obscure but not lost Pleiad again break forth, diffusing new light and heat, in the Masonic Constitution [Constellation perhaps]. (1)

"We now ask your fraternal advice in our difficult movements. And in behalf of the Companions and brethren in Vermont, whose fidelity has never been shaken, I submit this report.

"NATHAN B. HASWELI, High-Priest and Grand Master."

In February, 1848, Jerusalem Chapter, No. 2, was reopened by a dispensation from the General Grand Scribe. The Grand Lodge of Vermont was revived in 1847; and soon following this event the Companions of the Grand Chapter made a movement toward the revival of the Grand Chapter, and under the direction of Companion Haswell, who was the last Grand High-Priest, and sanctioned by the Deputy-General Grand High-Priest, the Grand Chapter was reorganized July 18, 1849.

There were three chapters which took part in the reorganization: Jerusalem, No. 2, at Vergennes; Burlington, No. 12, at Burlington and LaFayette, No. 15, at East Berkshire.

(1) Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1844, pp. 183, 184.

In October, 1849, the Grand High-Priest granted a renewal of the Charter to Champlain Chapter, at St. Albans.

June 11 1850, an attested copy of the original Charter of this chapter was shown in the Grand Chapter with proof of original Charter having been dearoyed by fire. Champlain Chapter paid $25, under the ruling, and was revived and represented at that grand convocation.(1)

Since that period the Grand Chapter has continued to be represented in the General Grand Chapter.

Virginia

The introduction of Royal Arch Masonry into Virginia in 1753 was no doubt similar to its introduction into Pennsylvania and other States north of it, by means of Royal Arch lodges, so-called, because the Royal Arch degree was permitted to be conferred under the lodge Charter, and we have recently seen the discovery by Bro. S.J. Quinn, of Fredericksburg, of the fact that in that ancient town there was such a lodge, in which the Royal Arch degree was conferred, earlier than in any other place in the colonies; and very soon after that degree had been introduced into the work of the lodges in England.

It has been said, by others, that the introduction of the Royal Arch degree into Virginia was by Bro. Joseph Myers, who was the successor of Da Costa, who had opened, under the authority of Bro. Michael Moses Hayes, a Sublime Grand Lodge of Perfection in 1783, at Charleston, S.C. Bro. Myers subsequently settled in Richmond, Va., and then and there introduced the Holy Royal Arch of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, which was taught in Virginia until 1820, when the ritual of the English degree was adopted, whose officers consisted of High-Priest, King, and Scribe, while the former were High-Priest, Captain of the Host, and Captain General.

Bro. John Dove, in his history of the Grand Chapter of Virginia, uses the following language :

"Royal Arch Masonry was taught and practiced in this State during the latter part of the last century, under the authority of a Master's Warrant, until the want of some specific legislation seemed

(1) "History of Masonry and Concordant Orders," p. 633.

evidently indicated for the internal government of the Royal Arch Chapters, which were then growing in number and increasing in members."

This was in the early part of 1806, and from his acknowledged intellectual ability, in connection with the record of his constant attendance at every meeting of the Grand Chapter of Virginia from December 17, 1818, to December 17, 1868, he was well qualified to decide with authority. In discussing the matter of substitutes he said: "We have been in the constant use of them since 1792, and have as yet seen no evil result therefrom."

From the date above mentioned by Comp. Dove, viz., 1792, when the Royal Arch was conferred, we may be safe in our statement that as early as 1792 Royal Arch Masonry was practiced in Virginia. We also, from his statement, may be assured that in Virginia the degree of Past Master was in the chapter series and had been in Virginia since 1790, and whatever may have been the full ritual under lodge warrants, it was practiced until 1820.

At a convocation of the Grand Chapter of Virginia, held January 7, 1820, it was "Resolved, That our enlightened Companion, James Cushman, H.-P. of Franklin Chapter, No. 4, Connecticut, be requested to exemplify the mode of work at present adopted by the General Grand Chapter of the United States, it appearing from his credentials that he is fully competent."

On January 18, 1820, the degree of Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason were exemplified by him and after "most solemn deliberation" were adopted, "that harmony and unity should prevail throughout the Masonic world, and more especially the United States."

From 1820 until December 17, 1841, the council degrees of Royal and Select Masters were controlled by a Grand Council. At the latter date, by mutual agreement, these degrees were placed under the control of the Grand Chapter, and the following resolutions give the order of succession :

"Resolved, That hereafter the degrees in subordinate chapters be given in the following order, to wit : Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, Royal Master, Select Master, and Royal Arch." May 1, 1808, the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Virginia was established, in compliance with a proposition from a convention held in "Norfolk Borough," when it appeared that the "Grand United Chapter of Excellent and Superexcellent Masons of Norfolk had proposed to the Royal Arch Chapters of Richmond, Staunton, and Dumfries to establish a Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter for the State of Virginia."

This movement was entirely independent of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the United States, and that Grand Chapter has always held aloof from the General Grand Body.

The Supreme Grand Chapter established Magnolia Chapter, No. 16, at Appalachicola, and Florida Chapter, No. 32, at Tallahassee, Fla., which united with the other chapters in Florida in forming the Grand Chapter of that State.

Washington.

November 1, 1869, a dispensation was granted to Seattle Chapter, No. 1, in Seattle. (1) A dispensation was granted to Walla Walla Chapter, No. 2, in Walla Walla, February 13, 1871. Charters were granted at the meeting of General Grand Chapter, September 20, 1871. (2)

From difficulties encountered within the first chapter it did not succeed, and its Charter was suspended by the General Grand High-Priest, May 25, 1873, and reported by him at the meeting held November 2, 1874. (3) The report of the committee to whom this action had been referred, as also a memorial from members of that chapter, recommended that the action of the General Grand High-Priest be approved; and that the memorial be referred to that officer with power to restore or arrest the Charter of said chapter, as in his judgment he may deem best for the interest of Royal Arch Masonry. (4)

On August 27, 1880, the Charter was declared forfeited and that number (1) of said chapter be assigned to Walla Walla Chapter. (5)

A dispensation was granted to Spokane Chapter, No. 2, at Spokane Falls, November 1, 1881; and one to Seattle, No. 3, at Seattle January 2, 1833. At the meeting August 15, 1883, charters were granted to both of these chapters. (6)

A convention having been called to meet at Spokane Falls, June 6, 1884, the General Grand High-Priest decided that a letter of a

(1) Proccedings Grand Chapter, 1871, p. 33. (2) Ibid., p. 33. (3) Ibid., 1874, p. 15 (4) Ibid., p. 55 (5) Ibid., 1880, p. 69. (6) Ibid., 1883, p. 97.

should first have been obtained before holding a convention, and gave his authority to hold a convention at Walla Walla October 2, 1884. (1) (May 10, 1884, the General Grand High-Priest had granted a dispensation to Tacoma Chapter, No. 4, which by order passed to the jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter.)

This convention was held at that date by the three chapters above mentioned.

West Virginia.

After the State of West Virginia was erected and the Grand Lodge of the new State had been regularly organized, May 11, 1865, the Companions of the various chapters, numbering nine, who were under the Constitution of the Grand Chapter of Virginia, deemed it proper to follow the example of the lodges, and organize a Grand Chapter for the new territory. This movement started in Wheeling Union Chapter, No. 19, Wheeling. A memorial was issued by Wheeling Union Chapter, which sought permission to organize a Grand Chapter for the State. The following chapters approved the memorial: Jerusalem Chapter, No. 55, in Parkersburg, November 17, 1870; Star of the West Chapter, No. 18, at Point Pleasant, November 21, 1870; and Nelson Chapter, No. 26, at Morgantown, November 30, 1870. The Grand Chapter of Virginia took action upon the memorial, December, 1870, and gave consent, "upon the same terms and conditions, and with the same limitations, as the consent of the Grand Lodge of Virginia was given to the formation of a Grand Lodge for the State of West Virginia."

A convention was held November 16, 1871, in Wheeling, and the four chapters above mentioned were represented by their delegates; in addition to these were delegates from Lebanon Chapter, No. 9, at Martinsburg. The Grand Chapter of West Viyginia was duly and constitutionally instituted, the Grand Officers were chosen and installed by Most Excellent John P. Little, Grand High-Priest of the Grand Chapter of Virginia, who took occasion to warn the Companions against a union with the General Grand Chapter. (2) This warning, like that which oftentimes only excites the curiosity

(1) Proceedings Grand Chapter, 1886, P. 20. (2) "Masonic History of Concordant Orders," p. 636.

of the Warnee, has had the effect of bringing the Grand Chapter of West Virginia into the fold, which we trust will be followed by the Mother of the Old Dominion.

Wisconsin.

The Deputy-General Grand High-Priest, at the triennial meeting of the General Grand Chapter held September 10, 1844, reported having granted a dispensation to two chapters in Wisconsin Territory, viz. : February 16, 1844, to Milwaukee, No. 1; and Washington, No. 2, in Plattesville, July 2, 1844. (1) At the meeting September 14, 1847, the same officer reported having issued a dispensation to Southport Chapter, No. 3, in Southport (no date); (2) and also that his proxy had consecrated Washington Chapter, No. 2, at Plattesville, a Charter having been granted to said chapter, September 11, 1844. (3) A Charter was granted to Southport, No. 3, at the meeting held September 17, 1847. (4)

By authority of the Deputy-General Grand High-Priest under date of January 10, 1850, a convention was held in Madison of the delegates of the three chapters, and the Grand Chapter of Wisconsin was duly constituted, February 14, 1850.

The Deputy-General Grand High-Priest having received officially the printed proceedings and grand constitution under date of July 5, 1850, he authorized Argulus W. Stark to install the Grand Officers, which was done August 7, 1850.

Wyoming

At the triennial meeting of the General Grand Chapter held September 19, 1871, the General Grand High-Priest reported that he had issued a dispensation to a constitutional number of Companions to form a chapter at Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory, under the name of Wyoming Chapter, No. 1, (5) which was chartered, September 20, 1871. (6)

Evanston Chapter, No. 2, at Evanston, received a dispensation dated April 25, 1876; (7) and Lebanon, No. 8, at Laramie City, had

(1) Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1844, p. 182. (2) Ibid., 1847, p. 209. (3) Ibid., 1844, p. 185, note. (4) Ibid., 1847, p. 228. (5) Ibid., 1871, p. 15. (6) Ibid., p. 33. (7) Ibid., 1877, p. 92.

a dispensation granted March 15, 1877; and these two had charters granted August 24, 1877. (1)

Garfield Chapter, No. 4, at Rawlins, had a dispensation issued March 25, 1884; and a Charter granted October 1, 1886. (2) These chapters are under the immediate jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter, never having organized a Grand Chapter.

CHRONOLOGICAL MEMORANDA OF IMPORTANT TRANSACTIONS OF THE GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER!

October 24, 1797. - Preliminary meeting of three chapters in Boston, Mass. January 24, 1798. - Organization of the "Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the Northern States of America." September, 1798. - First meeting after organization for the choice of Officers. January 9, 1799. - Adjourned meeting; change of name to that of General Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the Northern States of America. January 9, 1806. - Change of name to that of General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for the United States of America. September, 1812, was, by resolution, fixed as the time, and New York City as the place, for the next Septennial Session. June 6, 1816. - Held in New York City, by reason of failure to meet in 1812. Constitution changed, so as to have a Depay General Grand High-Priest. September, 1819. - Held agreeably to adjournment. February, 1823. - Adjournment was to Washington, District of Columbia, at this time, but not held. September, 1826. - Met according to previous notice. Meetings made triennial. November, 1832. - Held in this month on account of cholera in Baltimore during September. September, 1862. - Appointed to meet at Memphis, Tenn., but not held on account of Civil War then prevailing. September, 1871 - Constitution amended, admitting Past Grand High-Priests as permanent members. November, 1874. - Constitution amended, making the first four Past General Grand Officers permanent members. October 13, 1897. - Centennial Celebration at Baltimore, Md.

(1) Proceedings of General Grand Chapter, 1877, pp. 92, 93. (2) Ibid., 1886, p. 125. (3) Ibid., 1897.

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