"He shall visit all the Lodges in this State, at least once in every year, and as much oftener as may be found practicable. He shall instruct them in all such matters as may be conducive to the harmony, unity, and good government of the Masonic family. At every such visit, he shall lecture in one or more of the degrees of Ancient Freemasonry, and give such explanations of our Rites, Ceremonies and Customs, as shall demonstrate the excellence and usefulness of the Masonic Institution. He shall explain the Constitutions of the Order, and the Rules and Regulations of the Grand Lodge, so as to promote a uniformity of principle and operation in the several Lodges in this State. GENERAL GRAND LODGE. A communication was read from the Grand Lodge of Maryland in relation to the constitution of a General Grand Lodge of the United States, when, on motion of Brother BARBER, the following resolution was adopted: Resolved, That in the opinion of this Grand Lodge, it is inexpedient to form a General Grand Lodge of the United States, as they believe the present Representative System, and the triennial meeting of the Grand Lecturers are sufficient for all purposes for which the formation of a General Grand Lodge is intended. In a communication submitted to the Grand Lodge by Br. Mackey, in March last, we find the following: The subject of a General Grand Lodge has, during the past year, occupied the attention of the Masonic Fraternity. Some Grand Lodges have been favorable to such a measure, while others have opposed it. The Grand Lodge of this State has already expressed an opinion adverse to the establishment of such an institution. It may be attended with inconveniences, though there is no doubt that the advantages which would accrue from such an institution, would be a greater uniformity and regularity of system. On this subject the Grand Master of North Carolina makes the following remarks which are certainly worthy of attentive consideration. "I am decidedly in favor of establishing a General Grand Lodge, for the purpose of protecting the ancient landmarks and usages of the Order, and of settling all questions that may arise in reference thereto, in preference to any other partial tribunal that may be occasionally set up, whose acts may be confirmed at pleasure." The triennial convention having failed, we presume the Grand Lodge of South Carolina will withdraw its objections to a general G. Lodge, should such an institution be finally determined on by a majority of the Grand Lodges in the country. EXPULSION FOR NON-PAYMENT OF DUES. At the communication in September last, the following Resolution of Br. MACKEY was adopted: "Resolved, That the penalty of expulsion for non-payment of arrears be abrogated by this Grand Lodge, and that the only punishment hereafter to be inflicted for such defalcation, shall be a discharge from membership of the Lodge. INITIATION OF SOUJOURNERS. We make the following extract from the communication of the Grand Secretary, before referred to : The Grand Secretary has noticed in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, that the Grand Master of that jurisdiction, has animadverted in censurable terms upon the "practice pursued among many Lodges in different parts of the country" of admitting temporary residents to the Order, and that too without inquiry into the character of the applicants, further than it may happen to be known at the places of such "temporary residence." There can be no doubt, that such a practice is often attended with injurious effects to the Order, and injustice to its members; for persons whose moral character and standing in their community at home, would prevent them from obtaining access to the institution where they are known, may, by visiting some more distant place, or some different State, be invested with rights as Masons, which at home would never have been conceded to them by their neighbors. On this subject the Grand Lodge of Alabama has directed, on occasion of all such applications, that the Secretary of the Lodge to which the candidate has applied, shall write for information to the Grand Secretary of the State from which he comes. This is an excellent regulation, and one which it would perhaps be wise in every Grand Lodge to adopt. The Grand Lodge of Ohio has gone still further, and decided, that persons residing under that jurisdiction, who wilfully and knowingly obtain the degrees of Masonry in a foreign jurisdiction, shall not be regarded as Masons. This is perhaps extending the powers of a Grand Lodge beyond what is consistent with the ancient landınarks, and involves important principles which are entitled to serious attention. It however, shows the spirit of condemnation with which that practice is viewed by the Grand Lodge of Ohio. GRAND LODGE CERTIFICATES. No transient person shall be examined at the door of any Lodge under this jurisdiction, on his presenting himself as a visitor, unless he first furnish the examining Committee with a Grand Lodge certificate. The above shall be construed so as not to extend to the members of any Lodge under this jurisdiction, provided they furnish the examining Committee with a Lodge certificate. Obituary. AT the annual communication of the Grand Chapter of Georgia, in May last, the following resolutions, offered by Comp. Jason Burr, were unanimously adopted: Resolved, That in the recent melancholy death of our ever to be lamented Companion, Dr. AMBROSE BABER, of Macon, one of our most influential and respected P. D. G. H. P., and a much loved P. H. P., of Constantine Chapter No. 4, of which he was the founder, the Masonic Institution,'and especially this Grand Chapter, has been deprived of one of its most useful and brightest ornaments; that our deceased Companion so blended all the higher qualities of mind and heart, as to present to the world a character worthy of all commendation,-the intelligent, benevolent, moral and active Philanthropist-a character that has survived the body which has perished, and will long continue a model for the laudable imitation of his surviving Companions of the "Mystic Tie." Resolved, That we entertain the most cordial sympathy for the bereaved widow and orphans of our departed Companion; that in their future welfare and happiness, we, as Masons, and as individuals, shall ever feel the liveliest interest; and that we do especially commend them to the Divine care and protection of our GREAT HIGH PRIEST, who "relieveth the fatherless and the widow." Resolved, That the members of this Chapter, in token of their sorrow for the death, and their respect for the memory, of our deceased Companion, will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the widow of our deceased Companion; and that they be published in the Macon papers, and in the Masonic Magazine at Boston. In Buffalo, N. Y., on the 17th ult., Dea. JOHN W. BEALS, aged 55 years-formerly of Boston. He was an honest man, a sincere Christian, a firm and consistent Mason, and for a number of years Master of the Lodge at Canandaigua. During his residence at Buffalo, he filled several important offices, and was highly respected by his fellow-citizens. He has left a widow and numerous children to mourn his loss. J. B. H. MASONIC CHIT CHAT. MASONIC LAMP.-We have for a short time past, had in operation a new Parlor, or Centre Table Lamp, the invention of Brother THEO. F. STRONG, which we take pleasure in recommending to such of our Brethren as may be in search of good light. It is beautifully ornamented with a variety of Masonic emblems and mottos, and has been patented by the inventor as the "Masonic Lamp." We think it is destined to supersede the use of the Solar and other similar Lamps-over all of which it possesses several important advantages. It is perfectly simple in its construction, and requires very little care to keep it clean and in order for use. It casts comparatively no shade upon the table, and, on this account, is peculiarly well adapted for the study. It gives a steady, more diffusive and milder light than the Solar or Astral, and consumes less oil. It may be made equally or more ornamental, and is afforded at about the same price as the common lamp. The manufacturers are Messrs. Gooding & Gavett, No. 12, Hawkins street, Boston, where it may be examined. The committee on foreign correspondence in the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, objects to the establishment of colleges, manual labor schools, emigrant societies, (the latter of which we never before heard of in this connection,) by the Grand Lodges in other States, and doubts their "compatibility with the principles or Constitution of our Order." If the committee would take the trouble to inform themselves in the Constitution and history of the Order, their doubts would probably be removed, on this and some other points. They might also learn a useful lesson from the early history of their own Grand Lodge, if they would but read it. Their objections, however, will not be likely to interrupt or retard the progress of the wise and truly Masonic labors of their more enterprising and energetic Brethren in other States. PRESENTATION OF A SWORD.-Columbus, (Ohio) Lodge, No. 30, on the 5th June last, in the spirit of patriotism which seems to animate all classes of the community, presented an elegant Sword to Br. Capt. Geo. E. WALCUTT, the gallant commander of the Montgomery Guards, of that city, who had promptly responded to the call of their country, and volunteered their services in the pending war with Mexico. The addresses on the occasion were spirited and appropriate, and the Sword, we cannot doubt, was committed to patriotic and worthy hands,to the hands of a Brother, who, if he shall be called to meet the enemy of his country in the dreadful conflict of arms, will not forget that, victory is the more glorious when tempered with mercy. GRAND CHAPTER OF GEORGIA.-We notice that the 4th Sec. of the 3d Art. of the Constitution of this Grand Chapter, as revised in May last, authorizes the issuing of Charters for Lodges of Mark Master Masons, as distinct bodies from R. A. Chapters. Our Companions are not probably aware that this is expressly prohibited by the 5th Section of the 2d Article of the Constitution of the General Grand Chapter of the United States. The celebration at Fitchburg was all that its friends anticipated, or could have desired. We shall notice it more particularly in our next. The legislature of Maine, adjourned over on the 24th, in order to allow the Fraternity, celebrating in Augusta, the use of the Representatives' Hall. TO CORRESPONDENTS.-We have several letters and communications on file, some or all of which shall be attended to next month. Our correspondents are requested to mark their communications "private," when they intend them to be so. We sometimes find it difficult to determine what their wishes are in this respect. Some of our agents and subscribers are quite too negligent in the settlement of their accounts. We would respectfully, but pressingly, call their attention to this matter. PUBLISHED AT THE OFFICE OF TUTTLE & DENNETT, NO. 21 SCHOOL STREET, BOSTON. TERMS. Two DOLLARS per annum, (in current bills,) IN ADVANCE. IN MASONIC CONVENTION, GR. LODGE SALOON, BALTIMORE, MAY 16, 1843. Br. S. W. B. CARNEGY, of Missouri, presented the following, which was unanimously adopted Resolved, That the interest of the Masonic Fraternity, and the good of mankind may be greatly promoted by the publication of a Periodical, devoted to FREEMASONRY. This Convention, therefore, cheerfully and earnestly recommend the "FREEMASONS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE," edited and published by Br. CHARLES W. MOORE, of Boston, Mass., as eminently useful and well deserving the generous patronage, support and study of the whole Fraternity. ALBERT CASE, Extract from the minutes, Sec'y National Masonic Con. No subscribers received for a less term than one year.-And no order for the work, except from Agents, will be answered, unless accompanied by the amount of one year's subscrip tion. All communications and letters must be addressed to the Editor; and, when not from Agents, must be post paid, or no attention will be given to them. Secretaries of Lodges are requested to act as Agents in receiving subscriptions and making remittances. The seventh copy will be allowed them for their services. The Editor may be seen at this office every day at 12 o'clock; at which time he will attend to any business connected with the Magazine, or with his duties as Secretary of the Grand Lodge. He will also be happy to see any of his Brethren from other States, who may be on a visit to the city, and to extend to them such civilities as his engagements will permit. CHARLES W. MOORE, MASONIC BOOKS, &c. ALL the MASONIC BOOKS, PORTRAITS, &c. heretofore advertized on the covers of this Magazine, may be procured at this office, at the prices named in the advertise ment. Brethren sending orders either for Books or for the Magazine, are requested to be particular in writing our address in full, as follows: CHARLES W. MOORE, Editor Freemasons' Magazine, 21 School Street, Boston. single copy. $8.00 75 600 63 The latter may be sent by mail. Orders p omptly attended to. MASONIC REGALIA, OF EVERY STYLE AND FINISH, FOR Encampments, Chapters and Lodyes, MANUFACTURED BY A. W. POLLARD, Merchant Tailor, No. 31 Merchants' Row and 45 N. Market Street, BOSTON. |