commercial concerns as Director, but he took as much interest in the work of the Niagara State Reservation Commission, of which he was a member, as in any board whose business added to his own wealth.

Brother Hodge, at the annual meeting of June, 1895, was re-elected Grand Master, but declined. Two months later he died suddenly. The day of his funeral found business suspended in the city of Lockport and people of all parties and creeds joined in honoring

JOHN HODGE.

his memory. The funeral ceremonies of the craft were conducted at his open grave, while the brethren stood around as mourners. Solemn and pathetic as are the Masonic services the proceedings seemed invested with additional pathos when the orphan children of the Home for the Friendless passed the grave and each little one placed in it a bouquet of flow

ers.

The great work of revising the constitution was carried on industriously during Brother Hodge's term of office and in 1895 the result of this labor was seen in the com

plete work then submitted and which was then adopted pending its final ratification by the subordinate Lodges. It presented no great or radical departure from the Constitution adopted in 1873 and it fully incorporated all the more recent decisions sanctioned by the Grand Lodge since that time. The changes it made were in reality but the carrying out of lines of action which these decisions indicated. They were generally uttered to govern specific cases, and when given the force of statutory law. they had sometimes to be widened so as to make their application of general use. This was pretty much the nature of the revision effected. The submitted work had to wait for a year before final action was taken and before that was done the work of the committee was amended in several respects. To that we will refer in its proper place.

During the year the Grand Master engaged in several important public demonstrations, the most notable of which was the laying of the cornerstone of a new court-house at Rochester and a home for commercial travelers at Binghamton. Grand Secretary Ehlers laid the cornerstone of the public scnool at Mount Kisco. Junior Warden Ide dedicated a Masonic Temple at Gouverneur and Philip Keck, Deputy of the Fourteenth District, laid the cornerstone of an armory at Amsterdam. On all these and other occasions the flow of oratory was not only great but eminently interesting, and in reading over most of it in the course of researches for this work it seemed to the writer a pity that so much really interesting reading to the fraternity-reading generally so instructive, so thoroughly expressive of Masonic principles and practiceshould be lost to the brethren as soon as it is delivered unto them. The scope of this book does not permit us to present such speeches extensively, and so we can do no more than refer to the subject in the hope that some method may be found whereby this annual outpouring of the highest Masonic thought can be preserved.

There is one instance which we must, however, here give not only as an example of Brother Hodge's addresses but for the historical information this particular one contains. The occasion was a notable one. On Oct. 17, 1894, Grand Secretary Ehlers laid the cornerstone of a new Masonic Temple at Poughkeepsie, and on Feb. 22, 1895, the completed building was dedicated by the Grand Master. When the usual proceedings incidental to dedication were over M... W.·. Brother Hodge said:

Brethren: By the solemn and impressive ceremonies in which we have been engaged on this occasion, we have added another Masonic Temple to the large number included in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the Empire State. It is an event to be hailed with joy by every true Mason, as an evidence of the continuance of that advancement of the glorious principles of Masonry in this State during the last half century that has given her Masonic fraternity, by virtue of membership and character, a rank second to none in any other State in the Union, or any country on the globe.

This splendid Temple, an embodiment of wisdom, strength, and beauty, we have set apart and consecrated in the name of the great Jehovah, and by our consecration services have acknowledged our obligations to give Him the adoration and love of our hearts, and make our lives a daily witness of our devotion to Him, by an unquestioning and cheerful compliance with the requirements of the Divine Law. As the altar of this Temple is devoted to His service, every sincere Mason who attends the stated meetings of the Craft within these walls should experience in himself a development of that true piety of heart which makes a man's life an exemplification of the injunction of the lowly Nazarene: "Love the Lord with all thy heart, and thy neighbor as thyself."

All the traditions of the legendary lore of Freemasonry, as well as its admitted historic record, are of a nature that should inspire its votaries to strive to attain the best possible development of character. For it is true that whether we trace the origin of Masonry, according to the legends, back to a time anterior to the building of Solomon's Temple, or bring it down to the beginning of written history, there is an entire unanimity in the conclusion that it is a legitimate product of piety and culture. It is conceded that, at whatever date the first Masonic associations may have been organized, they were composed of artisans whose labors were devoted mainly to the building of churches. During all this early period of time, covered by legends and history relating to Masonry, the religious sentiment was dominant in nations boasting of any commendable progress in civilization; and architecture, one of the most fully developed sciences of the age, found its most elaborate and

magnificent exemplifications in the erection of the noted historic churches of antiquity.

We are told that the Masons, engaged in this work of church building, organized for social intercourse and mutual assistance, and that their organization extended over many countries.

For their mutual protection and benefit they devised symbols and secret signs, to enable their members to make themselves known to each other in their travels from one country to another. The character of their work could not fail to make a deep religious impression upon them, and we are not, therefore, surprised to learn that as an association they acknowledged the existence of God as the Supreme Ruler of the universe, and cherished a belief in the immortality of the soul. Thus, at its beginning, Masonry was established upon the immutable basis of all-enduring religious life, and from this impregnable position it has never departed. The acknowledgment of God logically leads to a recognition of the brotherhood of man, and in the faith in the immortality of the soul do we find our hope of eternal life.

On account of their devotion to the building of churches, the early Masons were favored in a marked degree with the esteem of religious associations, and especially of those high in authority in the Church, while multitudes of churchmen, both lay and clerical, regarded it as a special honor to be permitted to become members of the Order.

Coming down to a later period, the historians who chronicled the development of Masonry in the British Isles tell us that in 1702 St. Paul's Lodge, in London, extended the privileges of membership in the Order to the learned professions, provided the applicants were regularly approved and initiated. In 1717 a Grand Lodge was formed of the English Lodges, for the purpose of bringing the separate Lodges into closer and more fraternal relations, and also for the satisfactory settlement of any differences which the Lodges, in their individual capacity, might be unable to adjust. Among the eminent Masters of the English Grand Lodge in its early days was the sovereign himself, Henry the Seventh.

The first Masonic Lodge in America, of which we have any record, was organized in Philadelphia in 1731, and after this they came into existence rapidly in all the colonies. But little, if anything at all, was done to bring the Lodges in the several colonies into Grand Lodges until after our independence was established, when Grand Lodges were formed in all the States. From such a begining in this country Freemasonry has so surely commended itself to public favor, that to-day in the United States it has a membership of more than three-quarters of a million included in over ten thousand Lodges.

But while as Masons we rejoice over the growth of our Fraternity in the United States, it is with special pride and satisfaction that, as citizens of the Empire State, we note the pre-eminence New York has gained in Masonic development. The earliest historic mention of Masonry with which New York is connected is the statement that in 1730 the Duke of Norfolk issued a patent to Daniel Cox, constituting him Provincial Grand Master of the Provinces of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. This was accompanied by a recommenda

tion that a general charity be established for the relief of the poor brethren in the jurisdiction named.

The record does not state the year of the organization of the first Lodge in the State, but it must have been prior to 1737, as in that year the Masons in the State held a representative meeting in New York City.

The present Grand Lodge of New York was organized in 1781 by a charter from the Grand Lodge of England, and in the next quarter of a century the Lodges included under its jurisdiction in the State increased to 175.

Among the Lodges included in this number was Solomon's Lodge, organized in this city on April

Another man of note who was one of the early Masters of the Lodge was Major Andrew Billings, a member of Washington's staff.

He was evidently an earnest worker in the cause of Masonry, as it is recorded of him that he organized Steuben Lodge, No. 18. at Newburgh, soon after the close of the war of the Revolution.

John Brush, Deputy Grand Master in 1821, was also a Past Master of Solomon's Lodge.

Another Deputy Grand Master. Richard field, was also a Past Master of this Lodge.

Hat

The Lodge included in its membership many who had distinguished themselves in the struggle of the colonies for independence, of one of whom special mention has been made, being Col. Abraham Swartwout, who commanded a regiment of minute-men.

A Lodge of Mark Masons was connected with Solomon's Lodge before it came under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the State.

Its Master was Cadwallader D. Colden, for many years Senior Grand Warden.

In this brief mention of eminent men noted also as Masons in the early days of the Order in Poughkeepsie, the historic name of Benedict Arnold must not be forgotten.

Prior to his treason he was a constant and welcome visitor at Solomon's Lodge, but it attested the loyalty and patriotism of its membership by ordering this entry upon its minutes at the first communication of the Lodge after his treason was disclosed: "Ordered, that the name of Benedict Arnold be considered as obliterated from the minutes of this Lodge, a traitor."

During the existence of Solomon's Lodge, which forfeited its warrant in 1832. sixteen Masonic Lodges were organized in Dutchess County.

There are at present in the country thirteen, of which Warren Lodge, No. 32, is the oldest.

This

Turning again to the progress of Masonry in the State at large, it is a matter of permanent history that during a period of thirty years, ending in 1836, the principles of Freemasonry in this State were subjected to a more severe test than they had ever been in any other State in the Union. was due in some degree, to internal dissension, which divided the Grand Lodge for four years (1823) to 1827); but the most severe trial came from a political issue in the State being made of the incident of the disappearance of one William Morgan early in 1826. This precipitated an anti-Masonic crusade, and so vigorously was it prosecuted by unscrupulous politicians, aided by misguided religious zealots, that during the next ten years the number of Lodges in the State was reduced from 480 to 69, while their membership fell from over 20,000 to less than 3,000. But a wholesome reaction began in 1837, and from that date to the present the star of Freemasonry in the Empire State has been in the ascendant, ever growing brighter with the lapse of years, and so illuminating the noble principles of our Order as to attract a membership in the State numbering to-day over 86,000, included in 730 subordinate Lodges. Nor has this gratifying progress been limited to a remarkable increase in membership and Lodges. But from so many hearts leavened by the grand principles of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man has been evolved and carried to its consummation a system of philanthropy which may well be accepted as a pattern by our Order the world over. I refer to the magnificent Home and School in Central New York, established for worthy Masons and their widows and orphans, sustained by revenues received from rentals of so much of the Masonic Temple in New York City as is not required for the work of the Craft. These two institutions, representing about two millions of dollars, wholly paid for, stand as enduring monuments to the liberality of the Fraternity in the State. Its generosity, indeed, has been so exuberant as not only to pay in full for this valuable property, but also to create a fund of $135,000, bearing five per cent interest, and still leaving $70,000 in cash in the treasury.

Therefore, brethren of Poughkeepsie, in the light of this brief but gratifying historic sketch, it must be conceded that you have erected and furnished this beautiful hall in a most auspicious era in the life of Freemasonry in the world.

To the officers and members of the Lodges, by whose zeal and efforts this consummation has been attained, I extend my heartiest congratulations.

ROSPEROUS as was Brother Hodge's term of office, the craft had to witness the departure from its circles of many active brethren. John Hoole, the Grand Tyler, "Uncle John," as he was called, who had served faithfully in that capacity for a quarter of a century, passed to rest on Dec. 19, 1894, and was interred in Mount Hope Cemetery, where a handsome monument has since been erected over his grave by the Lodges in New York. At his funeral ceremonies a touching address was delivered by his life-long friend, Robert Macoy, Past Deputy Grand Master, and in less than three weeks the friends were reunited by the inexorable fiat of Him who rules the heavens and the earth. Macoy die on Jan. 9, 1895.

As can be readily understood by all who have read this book, Robert Macoy was for years one of the most prominent figures in the craft in New York. Personally he was one of the best known Freemasons in the city. When he died, he was a member of Lebanon Lodge, No. 191, of which he was elected Master in 1850. In the Grand Lodge he was active for about forty years and in 1856 and 1857 was Deputy Grand Master. His services to chivalric Masonry were invaluable and he served the Grand Commandery as Recorder from 1851 until his death. Brother Macoy was born in New York in 1806. He began life as a printer, serving his apprenticeship in an office in Theatre Alley in his native city.

Afterward he went into the printing business on his own account, but finally be

came a publisher and bookseller, having a store in the Astor House Building for many years. He was an active worker in Scottish Rite circles and was elected Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, and the author of its ritual. He was the author of many works on subjects pertaining to the craft, including a "General History and Cyclopædia," which was very useful in its day. Most of his writings, however, have passed out of current use with the exception, perhaps, of his monograph on the history of Knight Templarism in the State of New York. That compilation is an invaluable one and it has been reproduced in the section of this volume treating of the chivalric orders.

Another note full of sadness, just before the meeting of the Grand Lodge, reminded the gathering hosts of the uncertainties of human life and the transitoriness of mortal affairs, when the news spread that Past Grand Treasurer John J. Gorman died in New York city on May 21. Brother Gorman was born in New York city in 1828. He was apprenticed to a plumber early in life and after reaching the rank of journeyman went into business on his own account. He was more known for his activity in politics than for his business developments, however. In the fire department he was long a notable figure and he exerted himself to secure the passage of laws which reduced the chance of loss of life in theaters and other public places from conflagration and overcrowding. In 1882 he was appointed one of the Police Justices of the city and was holding that office in 1890 when

he was elected Sheriff of the county of New York. A stanch Democrat and an honest man, he was active in the reorganization of Tammany Hall in 1872, was elected a Sachem in 1877 and was Treasurer for many years.

In 1854 Brother Gorman was made a Mason in Hope Lodge and served as its Master in 1857, 1858 and 1859. In 1869 he organized Hope Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and in 1871 became its High Priest. He was twice chosen District Deputy and he devoted four years of patient work to the business of the Board of Trustees of the Hall and Asylum

which might arise. Such lives as his are illustrative of the value of Masonic influence and teaching. On his merits we might easily enlarge, but the following tribute passed by the Grand Lodge, a tribute indorsed by all who knew him, is better than any words we might indite:

The sudden death of R.. W.. John J. Gorman, on the 21st day of May last, added greatly to the sense of loss and the bitterness of the sorrow which we as a Grand Lodge experience to-day. The withdrawal of his genial presence from our midst leaves a vacancy which cannot readily be filled. His cordial, unobtrusive, pleasant manner; the simplicity and business-like straightforwardness of his fraternal methods; his words, few in number, but always well chosen and clearly to the point; his wise and consistent zeal for Masonry; his fidelity and efficiency as Grand Treasurer of this Grand Lodgethese characteristic excellencies of our departed brother gave him a large and sure place in the hearts of all his brethren. Born in this city in 1828, he was yet in the prime and vigor of his manhood. His erect form, bright eyes, ruddy countenance, and manly bearing promised us his fellowship for many years to come; but the mortal blow descended, and our faithful brother fell.

In connection with Scottish Rite Masonry in its later controversial stages, Brother Gorman was a most prominent figure. But to that subject reference is made in a later section of this volume and it need not be dwelt upon here.

An active life, Masonic and otherwise, closed at Brooklyn on Aug. 13, 1894, when Gustave Dettloff, once District Deputy of the Twenty-eighth (German District) passed through the veil. He was an earnest Mason, a diligent worker in the quarries and a power for good in the craft, especially among the German Lodges. A few months later, on Jan. 3, 1895, the German District lost another once brilliant light in the death of another of its Deputy Grand Masters-Alfred Erbe. He was an exemplary Mason and a zealous laborer in every good cause. As much, at least, might be said of Henry Clay Buffington, who died at Dunkirk, Sept. 5, 1894,