The Masonic Leader

Facts presented in this section were derived from a pamphlet entitled, “Interesting Historical Data” by MW Annie M. Pond published in 1950 by the Order of the Eastern Star of the State of New York.  Early historical Information in this pamphlet was excerpted from rare manuscripts dating to 1793, 1850, and 1855.  More recent information was derived from other resources.

In truth, the origin of our organization is shrouded in mystery, much as the origin of Masonry, itself.  The Order of the Eastern Star, founded on Masonry and for the benefit of the female relatives of Master Masons, was known by other names in Europe before it came to America.   In these organizations, Masons prepared instructive and enlightening lessons and charges that were given to their female relatives.  About 1780 there appeared in France, an organization called “Adoptive Masonry” under the sanction and warrant of a regularly constituted Masonic Lodge, whose Worshipful Master was the presiding officer assisted by a woman designated as “President or Mistress”.  A printed ritual of the work was issued in 1787.  Some think the five degrees were introduced in this country by French officers who assisted our country in its struggle for liberty.  However, no authentic history substantiates this.  It is highly probable that knowledge of the French organization may have filtered through and helped to create and bring into use some of the lectures used in this country as the basis for the formation of the Eastern Star.  The Lessons and Charges were collected and published by the Masonic Supreme Council in 1793 in Boston under the title, “Thesauros”

It remained for one, Dr. Robert Morris, of Kentucky to give form to the organization known as the Order of the Eastern Star.  He initially communicated a regular course of lectures in November 1850 at Colliersville, TN as evidenced by his written statement, “At Colliersville likewise I conferred the degrees of the Eastern Star and Good Samaritan.  Both of these I had received some years before.  The restrictions under which the Eastern Star was communicated to me were that it should only be given to Master Masons, their wives, widows, sisters and daughters, and only when five or more ladies of the classes named were present.” In 1854 he wrote in the “American Freemason” “First in the array of Adoptive Degrees, highest in the ranks of brilliant and impressive thought, comes THE EASTERN STAR, with its fixed points of Jepthah’s Daughter, Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa.  Those who have heard our lectures in different sections of the United States are aware that we value it both for what is has done and for its future promise.  We have personally communicated The Eastern Star to more than three thousand ladies, the wives, daughters, sisters and widows of Master Masons.

The degree is never communicated from man to man—to impart it at all requires the consent and presence of five or more ladies who must be, if unmarried, at least 18 years of age.

This degree is of French extraction…It is properly conferred in a regular organizationstyled a Constellation…” The term Constellation was later replaced with “families” and still later by “Chapter.”

Rob Morris “communicated” the Degrees of the Eastern Star in New York City for the first time in April of 1854 and continued to promote the American Adoptive Rite that included the degrees of the Eastern Star until 1865.  At that time he transferred to Robert Macoy the titles and prerogatives which he had assumed.

Robert Macoy continued to communicate the Eastern Star Degrees and immediately prepared a Manual of Eastern Star Degrees in a more simplified form.  He coined the term Order of the Eastern Star.  In this manual were the symbols, scriptural illustrations, lectures and rules for government.  Also in 1865 the Grand Lodge, F & A M planned a Masonic Fair for the purpose of increasing an already established fund for the erection of a Masonic Hall I New York City.  To assist the Brothers, the ladies in the families of master masons organized the “Ladies Masonic Fair Association”.  Many of these ladies were holders of Adoptive Rite Certificates and as they worked with Brother Macoy, they pleaded with him to change his manual into an Eastern Star Ritual that would provide a permanent organization in which their works of Charity and Benevolence might be extended.  In October 1868 the manuscript for  the Macoy “Chapter System Ritual” was presented to a group of Adoptive sisters in New York City  who called themselves the Alpha Sisters.   Alpha Chapter No. 1 was organized December 28, 1868.

By 1870 the need to form an umbrella organization for chapters that had been constituted throughout the state became apparent.  A convention of delegates met on November 3, 1870 to organize the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of the State of New York. A constitution and General Regulations were adopted.  In 1884, the Grand Matron was made the executive officer of the Grand Chapter

By 1874 there were over 600 chapters in the US and Grand Chapters had also been formed in a number of other states.  A Supreme or General Grand Chapter seemed to be a possibility. The Grand Chapter of Indiana sent an invitation to all state Grand Chapters to meet in Indianapolis November 15, 1876.  The Grand Chapters of California, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and New Jersey sent delegates and thus the General Grand Chapter was formed.  New Jersey later withdrew from General Grand Chapter.  There are now 55 Grand Jurisdictions including Scotland, Australia, the Canadian Provinces and all of the states of the United States, with the exception of New Jersey and New York.  New York State, has maintained its status as an independent sovereign grand Jurisdiction since its organization.

An Eastern Star Home has been in existence since 1898, the first home being established in Waterville, NY. It was voted to add an infirmary in 1913.  A newer and larger home and infirmary were dedicated in Oriskany in 1916.  Since that time new wings and new buildings have been added at the Oriskany campus to keep pace with need, and substantial renovations of existing buildings have taken place.  The present chapel with its beautiful stained glass windows was dedicated in 1936.

This article was taken from the Leadership Development Course (1995 Revision) originally published by the Grand Lodge of NY Committee on Leadership Services, authored by Allan M. Bryant.

George Washington (1732-1799) 1st 1789-1796

James Monroe (1758-1831) 5th 1817-1825

Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) 7th 1829-1837 GM in TN 1822-24

James Polk (1795-1849) 11th 1845-1849

James Buchanan (1791-1868) 15th 1857-1861 Dep.GM in PA

Andrew Johnson (1767-1845) 17th 1865-1869

James Garfield (1831-1881) 20th 1881

William McKinley (1843-1901) 25th 1897-1901

Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) 26th 1901-1909

William Taft (1857-1930) 27th 1909-1913

Warren Harding (1865-1923) 29th 1921-1923 (1st Shriner Pres.)

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) 32nd 1933-1945

Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) 33rd 1945-1953 GM of MO

Lyndon Johnson (1908-1973) 36th 1963-1969 (Entered Apprentice only)

Gerald Ford (1913) 38th 1974-1977

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lang, Ossian and Singer, Herbert T.  “New York Freemasonry — a Bicentennial History.”  Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of the State of New York

Muir, R. Keith.  “The Morgan Affair and its Effect on Freemasonry.”  Transactions of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, Volume 105, 1992 London, England

Various Histories of Freemasonry and Masonic Encyclopedias.

This article was taken from the Leadership Development Course (1995 Revision) originally published by the Grand Lodge of NY Committee on Leadership Services, authored by Allan M. Bryant.

The cornerstone for a new Masonic Hall for Grand Lodge was laid June 8, 1870.  The dedication of the completed structure took place June , 1875.  In 1891 the cornerstone for the first building for the Masonic Home in Utica was laid.  By 1893 the first guests at the home were received.

In 1947 the Masonic Foundation for Medical Research and Human Welfare was established.  The cornerstone was laid in 1956 for the Masonic Medical Research Lab building.  The building was completed in 1958.

Freemasonry gradually grew back in numbers until, in New York State, membership peaked to 343,700 in 1929.  It declined during the depression years and peaked again in 1956 to 308,459 members.  The full history of Freemasonry, and particularly in New York State, has been glorious and impressive.  It continues to grow.  We have merely touched on some of the highlights.

This article was taken from the Leadership Development Course (1995 Revision) originally published by the Grand Lodge of NY Committee on Leadership Services, authored by Allan M. Bryant.

The disappearance of William Morgan in September of 1826 set the stage for the influence of Freemasonry in government to be greatly diminished.

An individual by the name of William Morgan, had joined a Royal Arch Chapter in LeRoy, New York.  He moved to Batavia and petitioned to join a Chapter there.  Characterized as an undesirable, he was rejected.  He then conspired with David Miller, a publisher whose habits were in harmony with Morgan, to print the “secrets” of Freemasonry.  This disturbing news upset some over-zealous Freemasons who “allegedly” abducted Morgan from jail.  He was not heard from since.

A body was found at Oak Orchard Harbor near Niagara.  A claim was made that it was that of Morgan.  Although the claim later proved to be false, detractors of Freemasonry used the claim to build suspicion and hatred against the Craft.  The Anti-Masonic political party was formed.  Churches expelled from their congregations any member who would not renounce Freemasonry.  Most Masonic lodges were dissolved.  A few remained in operation by meeting in secret.

In 1827, there were 800 Lodges in New York State with over 20,000 members.  By 1830 only 82 Lodges were left with 3,000 members.  It was not until 1857 that New York membership would be back to the 1827 level.  The Morgan affair caused a decline in Masonic membership, especially in North East America, for a period of about 20 years.

This article was taken from the Leadership Development Course (1995 Revision) originally published by the Grand Lodge of NY Committee on Leadership Services, authored by Allan M. Bryant.

After the Revolution, the American Grand Lodges became sovereign and independent.  Eventually a Grand Lodge was created in every State and the District of Columbia.  The Grand Lodge of New York was formed in 1781 under the Atholl Charter.  Lesson #7 details the Structure of The Grand Lodge of the State of New York.

Among the early Governors of New York who also served as Grand Master of Masons in the State include:  Daniel D. Tompkins (later Vice President of the United States), DeWitt Clinton, and Morgan Lewis.

Attending the first inauguration of George Washington on April 30, 1789 was a Who’s Who of Freemasonry in New York State.  The altar Bible of St. John’s Lodge was used by Chancellor Robert L. Livingston to administer the oath of office.  The Bible has been used to swear in a number of Presidents, including George Bush on Jan. 20, 1989.

At the first inauguration the President-elect was escorted by selected military units commanded by General William Malcolm (a Freemason).  His aides were Morgan Lewis (later Grand Master of New York), Jacob Morton and Leonard Bleecker (all prominent Freemasons).

Jacob Morton was the Grand Secretary of Grand Lodge and Master of St. John’s Lodge #1 (the owner of the Washington  Bible).  He later became Grand Master of New York.  Surrounding Washington at the inauguration were: Richard Henry Lee, Henry Knox, Arthur St. Clair, Baron Von Steuben, House Speaker Frederick A.C. Mulenberg, and New York Governor George Clinton — all Freemasons.  George Clinton was later to become the Vice-President of the United States.  He was also the uncle of the future Governor and Grand Master DeWitt Clinton who was present at the inaugural.

On September 18, 1793 Washington laid the cornerstone for the Capitol in full Masonic ritual.  The trowel he used was later utilized by the Grand Master of Virginia to lay the cornerstone of the Washington Monument on July 4, 1848.  Both the trowel and the apron used by Washington are kept at the Washington Masonic National Monument in Alexandria, Virginia.

Between 1822-1827, a schism developed between upstate and New York City Freemasons.  Freemasons from “Upstate” felt that Grand Lodge should be held in Albany and not in New York City, since Albany was more centrally located.  In 1825, Stephen Van Rensselaer was elected Grand Master to heal the wounds.  The pact of June 7, 1827 resolved these differences. Van Rensselaer was a prominent public servant.  Early that year it was his vote in the U.S. House of Representatives which gave John Quincy Adams a sufficient majority to win election to the Presidency.

Glens Falls was the first Lodge organized in Warren County after the Morgan Affair.  Area Masons petitioned Grand Lodge to form a new Lodge on January 16, 1847.  Charter was granted on June 8th of that same year.

Charter members include:

• Avery Tiffany (a carpenter who completed the Presbyterian Meeting House in 1849),
• Enoch Ellis,
• King Allen,
• John Martin,
• Ezekiel Holman,
• Stillman Fickett,
• Stevens Carpenter,
• Daniel S. Newton,
• Alfred Fisher,
• Henry Spencer,
• John Strong,
• Bethuel Peck (President of Glens Falls Mutual Ins. Co.),
• Benjamin Tinney.

Of these, Enoch Ellis, Henry Spencer & Bethuel Peck had been prominent members of the old Hamilton Lodge.

The first meeting was held on February 23, 1847.  The following were elected: Avery Tiffany, Master; S.H. Pickett, Senior Warden; K. Allen, Junior Warden; John Martin, Secretary; Enoch Ellis, Treasurer; E. Holman, Senior Deacon; S. Carpenter, Junior Deacon; S. Pike, Tiler.

The first meeting place of Glens Falls Lodge 121 was dedicated on June 24, 1847 which was the Music House (Hall).  Starting in 1848 the Lodge met in the upper story of the Bethuel Peck Building on Glen Street.  On December 27, 1860, the Lodge dedicated new rooms in a building owned by Hiram Colvin (Col. of 31st NY Militia in War of Rebellion) on a site occupied by Fowlers Store, at that time called “The Exchange”.

Dr. Austin W. Holden (author of The History of the Town of Queensbury; member of State Assembly in 1874) was the only person who ever held the mastership in both Glens Falls & Senate Lodges.

Glens Falls recommended the formation of a Lodge at Ft. Edward on May 26, 1852; February 7, 1855 at Sandy Hill; January 21, 1857 at Warrensburg.

It was still the age of candles, antique lanterns and unpaved streets in this little village.  Gas lights made their appearance in 1854.  Lodge meetings were generally held in afternoons.

Members in public life:

• Joseph Kellogg, Justice of Supreme Court;
• Russell Little, State Senator;
• Isaac Davis (County Judge 1871-77), Enoch Rosekrans, Lyman Jenkins, Howard Glassbrook, County Judges;
• Westley Hicks, Daniel Brown, County Clerks;
• Joseph Kellogg Attorney General;
• Joseph Russell Member of U.S. Congress 1845-47 & 1851-53;
• Thomas MacArthur member of Constitutional Convention;
• Nelson VanDusen, State Assemblyman in 1882;
• Lyman Jenkins District Attorney;
• W.  Griffing, Milton Tibbits, Edward Bartholemew, Mayors of Glens Falls;
• B.  Sprague County Treasurer;
• Westley Hicks, Daniel Ferguson, Joseph Mead, Edward Reed, Sheriffs;
• Charles Thompson, N.  VanDusen, H.P. King, Supervisors;
• Enoch Ellis Justice of Peace;
• Rueben Baxter, an architect & marble dealer, was commissioned by the citizens of Glens Falls in 1866 to erect a monument to the soldiers who died during the Civil War.  It was dedicated on May 30, 1872, and still stands.