Wellsburg Lodge 108-C. F. Scott, Representative. J. N. Charnock, J. W. PAST MASTERS. George W. Sights, W. J. Houston, A. J. Sweeney, D. E. Donel, Ohio Lodge No. 101. I. H. Williams, F. A. Brentlinger, Wheeling Lodge No. 128. M. W. Wm. B. Thrall, P. G. M. of the State of Ohio, and a large number of visiting brethren. The M. W. Grand Master then delivered the following ADDRESS. BRETHREN:-I am deeply grateful for the evidence of your regard and confidence manifested by your selection of me for the honorable position of Grand Master of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. The powers with which the Grand Master is invested are so extensive-his obligations so solemn and weighty, and the best interests of the Craft so largely dependent on the intelligent and faithful discharge of the duties of his office, that he ought to possess a knowledge and skill fully commensurate with the grave responsibilities devolving upon him. But to such knowledge and skill I have no claim. My Masonic acquirements are comparatively small-my experience limited. And when, in addition to this, it is recollected that from the peculiar circumstances attending the formation of this Grand Lodge, questions may arise,-difficult and delicate,―requiring, it may be, for their proper and wise solution, the ability of a skilled expert in Masonic jurisprudence; it is evident, that the duties and obligations resting upon your first Grand Master, are peculiarly weighty and responsible. Yet, it would seem ungracious in me, to decline the honor which your kind partiality has conferred upon me; and, therefore, trusting to your forbearance with my inexperience, and relying on your fraternal counsel and assistance, I accept the office, promising to exert all my abilities to defend the honor of the Craft, and to advance the cause of Freemasonry within our jurisdiction. Before engaging in the consideration of the important matters which are now to claim your attention, it is our first duty to render sincere thanks to God, for the "manifold blessings which surround us," for the harmony and brotherly feelings which have characterized the various proceedings, resulting in the organization of this Grand Lodge. But, above all, our hearts should be raised in devout thankfulness to Him, that through His goodness and mercy, the storm of war is hushed, and peace-blessed peace, once more smiles upon our beloved coun try. And let us humbly invoke the Divine blessing on the new career upon which we are about to enter, praying that in all our labors we may ever manifest an unwavering devotion to the cause of morality and virtue, and thus be enabled to "reflect true dignity on the character of our profession,"-advance the usefulness and promote the happiness of the brethren, and "convince mankind at large of the goodness of our cause.' Some doubts have been expressed as to the right of the Lodges in the State of West Virginia, to establish a Grand Lodge. These doubts appear to have arisen from the particular views taken of the circumstances under which the State of West Virginia came into existence. Nor in It would not be proper, in this place however, to enter into a discussion as to the regularity or irregularity of the proceeding, by which the State of West Virginia was created. deed, if proper, would it be necessary, since, with that proceeding, we as Masons, have nothing whatever to do; and therefore, it cannot in any manner, affect the legality of this Grand Lodge. It is a well established principle in Masonic law, that if, in any State, Territory, or other political division where no Grand Lodge already exists, there be three or more regularly constituted Lodges in active operation, they have the right to meet in convention by their representatives, adopt a constitution, elect officers and organize a Grand Lodge; which thenceforward exercises all Masonic jurisdiction over the State or Territory within which it has been established. On this point, Mackey in his treatise on Masonic law, page 23, says: Three Lodges therefore, in any Territory where a Grand Lodge does not already exist, may unite in convention and organize a Grand Lodge." Chase in his digest of Masonic law, page 15, says: "A certain number of Lodges, not less than three, holding charters or warrants from some Grand Lodge or from different Grand Lodges may meet in convention by their representatives, formally resolve to organize a Grand Lodge, and proceed to instal their officers." And there are numerous instances, in the history of the organization of Grand Lodges, which show that Subordinate Lodges thus determining to form a Grand Lodge, have also the right to act in the matter, according to their own judgment, without the consent, and entirely independent of any Masonic tribunal outside of the territory over which they propose to exercise control. Nevertheless, under ordinary circumstances, Masonic obligation and courtesy, would require the Lodges thus resolving to organize a Grand Lodge, to give due notice to the parent Grand Lodge of such determination. West Virginia is now a separate State, and it has been recognized by the different departments of the general government, as having all the rights, powers and privileges of the other States of the Union. The change in the political relation of the district out of which West Virginia was formed, to the State of Virginia, being thus fixed and determined, it was in accordance with the custom adopted in such cases throughout the country, and was, indeed, necessary in order to insure the regular and efficient working of the Masonic system within our territory, that the Lodges in the new State should sever their allegiance from the Grand Lodge of Virginia, and establish a Grand Lodge for themselves. But this proceedure was rendered still more necessary by the fact, that for four years the Lodges in West Virginia have been cut off from all intercourse with the Grand Lodge of Virginia; and, therefore, subject to all the evil consequences which must result from the absence of the controlling and regulating authority of a supreme government. Many of the Lodges, by reason of the absence of their officers, or from the existence of discord among the members, have discontinued their meetings. Others have been deterred from pursuing their labors, in consequence of being located near to military encampments. In some instances, Lodge rooms have been taken for military purposes, records mislaid or lost, and jewels and Lodge furniture carried away or destroyed. And even in some of the Lodges which have continued in active operation, many irregularities have been introduced, which require speedy correction, but which, from the absence of any "settled authority," it has hitherto been impossible to effect. Such was the condition of Masonic affairs in the counties now composing this State; when, the General Government having formally recognized West Virginia, and the tide of war having transferred military operations to the extreme border, restoring a large part of the State to comparative tranquility, the brethren felt that the time had come for a movement towards the organization of a Grand Lodge. And (after due notice to all the Lodges in the State) it was at length effected by the Convention, which assembled in Fairmont, on the 12th of April last; which Convention was composed of the representatives from a majority of the Lodges, that (so far as we have information) were at the time in active operation in the State. The history of these various proceedings will, I presume, form a part of your record, and will show beyond contradiction, that all the different steps toward the end sought, have been in accordance with the regulations prescribed for the organization of Grand Lodges. It follows, therefore, that the Grand Lodge of West Virginia thus organized, and here assembled, is, in all respects, justly and legally constituted, and possesses all the rights, powers and privileges of other Grand Lodges. Allow me then, brethren, to congratulate you and the Craft whom you represent, that this desirable object has at length been accomplished. A large field for the exercise of the benevolent purposes of our Institution, now lies before us. The condition of many whose happiness should be dear to us, and whose welfare it is our duty to promote, demands that we should now bring into active exercise the benign principles of Masonry; so that we may be enabled to take a part in the work of perfecting the restoration of harmony and peace, which has been so happily begun, by the cessation of armed hostilities. While Masonry always carefully avoids any connection with the State, or with any political party in the State, yet it has, on all proper occasions, declared its loyalty to government and manifested its law-abiding and peaceble character. Although "its aims and its labors are far removed from the strife of politics," yet obedience to civil government is a cardinal principle of the Institution; and every Mason is solemnly enjoined to bear a faithful allegiance to the government of his country. The doctrines of Freemasonry lead it ever to oppose war, because its "prosperity has always been injured by bloodshed and confusion.' It is "a friend and promoter of peace, since its principles flourish and bear fruit most in times of peace." And now, that through the Divine Mercy, the dark cloud of war, which has spread desolation, and death, and mourning through the land, is passing away; with what joy ought we as Masons to hail this glad day, when Peace is spreading her Heavenly influence over every section of our beloved country! As lovers of peace and liberty, as friends of law and order, as supporters of good government, is it not our duty as Masons, charged to make "the welfare of our country our peculiar care," to bring into full exercise that Charity and Love which we profess; and by forgiveness of injuries, by seeking to reconcile to each other those of our own household who have been at enmity, and by endeavoring to "conciliate true friendship among those who might otherwise remain at a perpetual distance," become instrumental in the blessed work of bringing about a true and lasting peace. Thus may the Masonic Fraternity become, at this juncture, a "real strength and support to the civil government," in restoring harmony, and inculcating a respect for and obedience to law and order; and yet, without in the least degree deviating from the principles and practices, which, for ages, have characterized this ancient and honorable society. In this view, the establishment of a Grand Lodge for West Virginia, by controlling and regulating the labors of the Craft, and by giving a greater influence to the Subordinate Lodges in the dissemination of Masonic principles, is not only of the highest importance to the best interests of the Fraternity within the State, but will, I have no doubt, receive the hearty approval of our brethren throughout the country; and is indeed a movement which commends itself to all good citizens. It has been hitherto impracticable to have any correspondence with the Grand Lodge of Virginia, in reference to the organization of this Grand Lodge. But now that communication is again open, I deem it important that your first business should be, to forward to them a statement of the circumstances and reasons which have led us to sever our connection with that Grand Lodge, and to constitute a Grand Lodge for West Virginia. For this purpose, I would recommend the appointment of a special committee to prepare an address to the Grand Lodge of Virginia, embodying a statement such as I have suggested. And also, that the Grand Master be authorized to appoint a special representative as the bearer of the address, who shall be empowered on behalf of this Grand Lodge, to settle and adjust all matters in relation to which difference could arise; so that all our obligations may be faithfully observed, and the most. cordial fraternal relations may be established with the Grand Lodge of Virginia. The payment, by the Subordinate Lodges in this State to the Grand Lodge of Virginia, of the dues which have accrued from 1861 to the date of our organization, is a matter properly belonging to the Subordinate Lodges and the Grand Lodge of Virginia. But I call your attention to the subject, because, as it was impossible during the war, for the Lodges to send on their dues, and as in consequence of the war, many of them have been rendered wholly unable to pay the full amount at this time, you may offer such suggestions, as shall enable the Lodges to make a satisfactory settlement to the Grand Lodge of Virginia, without full payment. Custom would seem to require, that the Charters held by Subordinate Lodges should be returned to the Grand Lodge of Virginia. But as some difficulties presented themselves to our doing so at this time, I addressed a letter on this and some other points, to our learned brother, Charles W. Moore, of Boston, asking for instruction and advice, and received from him the following reply. His suggestions and recommendations are evidently so well adapted to the circumstances of our case, that I trust you will make them the basis of your action on the subjects of which he speaks. W. J. BATES, M. D.: BOSTON, May 8, 1866. Dear Sir and Brother :—In answer to your inquiries of the 28th ult., I beg to say: 1. It is not necessary that you should return the Charters of your Lodges to the Grand Lodge of Virginia. In separating from that body, they simply conformed to the changed political condition of the State, and transferred their allegiance to a new Grand Lodge, which, by virtue of the authority of their Charters, and Masonic usage, they had themselves created. Without their Charters they cannot exist as Lodges; nor could they have formed the new Grand Lodge without them. But these Charters, on their face, recognize the Grand Lodge of Virginia as the supreme authority in the new State. To remove this objection, and that the fact may appear as it really is, one of two courses becomes necessary, namely, either that the Lodges send up their Charters to the new Grand Lodge for endorsement, or that they surrender them to that body and take out new ones in their stead. The former course would probably be preferred by them, for the reason that it would secure to them their original date and rank. 2. Should any of the Lodges still persist in the recognition of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, they can be regarded by you in no other light than as recusant Lodges, with which you can hold no fellowship; for it is certain that two Masonic powers of the same grade cannot exercise authority in the same jurisdiction, one of them being in possession as a Grand Lodge. |