CHAPTER LVI HISTORY OF THE INTRODUCTION OF FREEMASONRY INTO EACH STATE AND TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES 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, 64 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 HighPriest 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. August 15, 1883. Nov. 22, 1889. Arizona Chapter, No. 1, located at Phoenix, Maricopa 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 George 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). |