"The Masonic world is going to judge us by what we do here," Robert Oliver told the delegates assembled in Chillicothe on January 4, 1808. "So, we must be extra cautious. "

The caution" consisted of examining the credentials of the delegates sent from the six Ohio Lodges to consider the formation of a Grand Lodge. From American Union had come Robert Oliver, William Skinner, and Ichabod Nye. Cincinnati had sent Thomas Henderson and Francis Mennesier; Scioto, Thomas Gibson and Elias Langham; New England, James Kilbourne; Erie, George Tod and John Seely; Amity, Isaac Van Horn and Lewis Cass.

After a careful examination, it was determined that New England Lodge had never been constituted. The Reverend James Kilbourne was asked to leave. He did. But he promised to have his Lodge constituted as soon as possible. It was. In his home on June 28, 1808, it became an official part of the family of Ohio Freemasonry.

The Chairman of the Convention, Oliver, accepted a resolution declaring "It is expedient to form a Grand Lodge in the State." It was recorded by the Secretary, George Tod. The Convention was then adjourned until the following when the resolution was brought up for action. It was unanimously adopted, and a commission consisting of Oliver, Nye, Van Horn, Henderson, and Gibson was appointed to prepare the rules necessary to form a Grand Lodge.

On the following day, the committee reported back:

RESOLVED, that a Grand Lodge be formed to be known and styled the Grood Lodge of Ohio, whose powers shall be to grant charters and dispensations, on proper application, to all such as shall apply and shall be deemed worthy, - and shall have jurisdiction over the same, and shall in all respects be clothed with full powers, as a Grand Lodge, according to ancient and due form, agreeably to the rules and landmarks of Masonry.

The balance of the resolutions called for the convention to elect Grand Officers; to hold the first "Grand Communication" on the first Monday in January, 1809; that the Lodges in Ohio pay their dues to their respective Grand Lodges; that the present charters be turned over to the Grand Lodge and new ones issued; that the Secretary of the Convention "do transmit to the Grand Master-Elect, a certified copy of the proceedings of this Convention."

The Convention then elected the following officers:

Rufus Putman, Grand Master; Thomas Henderson, Deputy Grand Master; George Tod, Senior Grand Wardon; Isaac VA Horn, Junior Grand Warden; Henry Massie, Grand Treasurer; David Putnam, Grand Secretary;Philemon Beecher, Grand Senior Deacon; Levin Belt, Grand Junior Deacon; Charles Augustus Steuart, Grand Marshal; Peter Spurck, Grand Tyler.

This was the culmination of eighteen years of Freemasonry in the Ohio Territory and the state. It began in June, 1790, when several Masons, including Rufus Putnam, met to discuss the question of organizing a Lodge. This resulted in the reactivation of the most famous of the Revolutionary Military Lodges – American Union.

Under the auspices of this Lodge, a Royal Arch Chapter was formed on June 6, 1792. Under authority of the Lodge, it continued to work until the Lodge hall was burned on March 22, 1801. Again the generosity of Rufus Putnam was shown. He erected a new building and called it "Union Hall." He turned it over to American Union for Masonic purposes.

One of the early Lodges that did not help form the Grand Lodge was Mingo No.78. It had been formed in Old Mingo Town under a Warrant granted by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in 1799. It was located about three miles from the present city of Steubenville.

The letter requesting a Warrant from Pennsylvania was written from Charlestown (then in Virginia) on November 20, 1789. The writer, William McKennan, proved he knew something about Masonic Law:

In the letter I expressed some doubts whether the Grand Lodge if Pennsylvania would grant a warrant in Virginia, being out of its Jurisdiction. To remedy therefore any clashing between the Grand Lodges of the two States, we are willing to take our warrant authorizing us to hold a lodge at the Old Mingo Town, in the Northwestern Territory, or within five miles of the same. This place being out of the jurisdiction of both the Grand Lodges, not interference can possibly arise, and I should suppose no difficulties could arise on this score, as the Washington lodge furnished a precedent for its being held in Washington, or within five miles thereof.

I suggested in my former letter that the constituting of a lodge in this place depends wholly on the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, as the distance from and the difficulty of communicating with that of the State of Virginia made an effectual bar to our application. The same reason still operate, and it rests with your Grand Lodge whether the work of Masonry will extended to this new part of our Western world.

The Warrant was granted on April 10, 1799. The officers were installed on May 21,1799. The Lodge reported it had 12 officers and members as of December 27, 1799. Many of these were outstanding citizens.

Under the belief that a Lodge could meet within five miles of the place it was supposed to meet in, Mingo Lodge met for at least two years in Charlestown (now Wellsburg), West Virginia. Dissension arose for some reason. The members became so demoralized, many of them demitted. The Lodge stopped meeting, and on April 7, 1806, Pennsylvania revoked its Charter.

On Monday, January 2, 1809, in Chillicothe, the Grand Lodge met for its first Annual Communication, Rufus Putnam was not present so Thomas Henderson presided as the Grand master. The Lodges represented were Scioto No. 2, Amity No. 105, Erie No 47, and Cincinnati No. 13. The delegates were concerned about the legality of the Communication because only four Lodges were represented. Lewis Cass was appointed chairman of the Committee to determine whether or not the Grand Lodge Could legally meet.

The Committee report back the following evening that "this difficulty is found in the absence of our sister Lodge at Marietta." The Committee said it would not dictate what the delegates should do but it would "suggest the propriety of admitting Brother William Skinner to a seat among us as proxy for the Lodge at Marietta." This would ease the mind of those delegates who believed five Lodges were necessary for business to be transacted. The report was laid over until the following evening.

It was determined the nest evening that "it will be expedient to proceed to the installation of this Grand Lodge, and that a committee of three be appointed to form a constitution and establish by-laws." The committee also recommended that a letter be drawn up and sent to each Grand Lodge in the Union. A copy was also to be sent to each Lodge in Ohio, ‘and to the Lodge at Marietta."

The letter explained how and why the Grand Lodge of Ohio was formed. It named the Lodges present at the formation in January, 1808, and how "the first Monday of January, 1809," had been selected as the first Annual Communication. It noted that all of the Lodges were present "except that at Marietta." The writer believed there was "but one reason which could have prevented the officers of that lodge from attending."

"About the time when it would have been necessary for them to commence their journey, and alarming and Unprecedented innundation had laid that town under water, and the distress and confusion inseparable from such situation probably prevented the attendance of their delegation."

By the time this letter was written, it would appear the reason for the absence of American Union Lodge would have been known. Later events would indicate the "unprecedented innundation" had little, if anything, to do with the absence of the delegates.

So far as can be ascertained, the report of the Grand Convention, a 5 by 8-inch pamphlet of seven pages, printed by Bros. Parcels and Barnes, at Chillicothe in 1808, was the first Masonic publication in the State of Ohio. An interesting copy of this pamphlet is now in possession of the Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, Ohio. It is the personal copy of Bro. George Tod, Secretary of the Convention, and on the title page appears his signature.

The Grand Lodge decided to use the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky until a permanent one of its own could be drawn up. Then the representatives elected the Grand Lodge officers. A letter had been received from the Grand Master, Rufus Putnam, which read:

GREETING:
It was with high sensibility and gratitude I received the information that the Grand Convention of Masons, convened at Chillicothe in January last, elected me to the office of Grand Master of your most ancient and honorable society but however sensibly I feel the high honor done me by the Convention, and am disposed to promote the interest of the Craft in general and in this State in particular, I must decline the appointment. My sun is far past the meridian; it is almost set; a few sands only remain in my glass; I am unable to undergo the necessary labors of that high and important office; unable to make you a visit at this time, without a sacrifice and hazard of health which prudence forbids.

May the Great Architect, under whose all-seeing eye all Masons confess to labor, have you in His holy keeping, that when our labors here are finished, but now is alive, and lives forevermore, be admitted into that temple not made with hands, eternal in the heavens; amen. So prays your friend and Brother.

Marietta, December 26, 1808
RUFUS PUTNAM

The Governor of the State, Samuel Huntington of Warren, was elected Grand Master; Lewis Cass of Zanesville, Deputy Grand Master; William Skinner of Marietta, Senior Grand Warden; William Rayen of Warren, Junior Grand Warden; Henry Massie, Grand Treasurer; Henry Brush of Chillicothe, Grand Secretary; Phi lemon Beecher of Chillicothe, Grand Senior Deacon; Thomas Kirker of West Union, Grand Junior Deacon; John Woodbridge of Chillicothe, Grand Marshal; Peter Spurck of Chillicothe,
Grand Steward and Tyler.

Before the officers were installed, "The lodge sitting in the third degree was closed and a Past Master's Lodge opened." Eligible Brethren "being in waiting and duly prepared, were introduced and severally passed the chair."

After the installation was concluded, the Acting Grand Master, Thomas Henderson, gave "an engaging and animating address." The Grand Lodge "was closed in harmony" to resume labor the following evening.

The Grand Lodge considered 46 articles for its government on Friday, January 6, 1809. These covered who the Grand Lodge officers would be, their duties, and the government of the Craft in Ohio.

The first petition for a new Lodge was received from Brethren in the town of Clinton in Knox County. A Dispensation was granted for the formation of Mount Zion Lodge.

The concluding session was devoted to the exemplification of the ritual of the three degrees.

The record noted that Dispensations were issue to Erie, Cincinnati, Scioto and Amity Lodges. For some reason the Dispensation for Mount Zion, approved by the Grand Lodge, was "withheld by order of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, until further instructions."

During the Annual Communication of 1810, it was learned a complaint had been filed against one of the petitioners for Mount Zion Lodge. This was referred to the "Committee on Grievances." After a careful study of the case, the committee determined the charges were "totally without foundation in fact or appearance." The Grand Lodge concurred with the report. The first "grievance" was happily settled.

At this same Communication the "lodge was open in due form and according to ancient usage, on the first degree of Masonry. No business appearing, the same was closed and a Fellow Craft's Lodge opened on the second step of Masonry. No business appearing on the second degree of
Masonry, the same was closed and a Master Mason's Lodge opened on the third degree of Masonry."

A committee was appointed to prepare the "form of a blank warrant or charter to be granted to subordinate lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, also a device for a seal for this Grand Lodge."

Dispensations were granted to the Brethren of Gallia County for a lodge at Gallipolis, to Masons of Montgomery and Miami Counties for a lodge at Dayton, and some living near Springfield and Urbana for a lodge at Urbana.

General Lewis Cass was elected Grand Master; Jacob Burnet, Deputy Grand Master; George Tod, Senior GrandWarden; James Kilbourne, Junior Grand Warden; Philemon Beecher, Grand Treasurer; Henry Brush remained as GrandSecretary; H. M. Curry, Grand Chaplain; Daniel Symmes, Grand Orator; George F. Tennery, Senior Grand Deacon; Daniel Converse, Junior Grand Deacon; Ralph Osborn, Grand Marshal; Henry Vanmeter, Grand Sword-Bearer;
Alexander A. Meeks, Grand Pursuivant; and Peter Spurck, Grand Steward and Tyler.

Lewis Cass was typical of the type of men who would lead the Grand Lodge of Ohio throughout its history. He was born October 9, 1782, at Exeter, New Hampshire. 1800, his family moved to Marietta, Ohio. In his youth, he studied law in the office of R. J. Meigs. Shortly after he was raised in American Union Lodge on May 7, 1804, he moved to Zanesville where he became the second attorney in the town. At the age of 22, he was elected the first prosecuting attorney of Muskingum County. He was one of the early volunteers in the War of 1812, and rose to the rank
of brigadier general. During this war, he broke his sword rather than surrender to the British General, William Hull. In 1813, Cass was appointed governor of Michigan Territory.

During his 18 years as governor of the Territory, he gained the reputation of being fair to all. The Indians trusted him and he was able to negotiate over 20 treaties with them. In 1836, he went to France as the United States Minister, and remained in this position until 1842. He returned to run for President, but was defeated. He served in the United States Senate from 1845 to 1857. He again ran for President without success. He was appointed Secretary of State in 1857, resigning in 1860 because he considered himself a mere figurehead. He returned to Detroit.

In 1826, he was elected Grand Master of Masons in Michigan. The anti-Masonic furor then raging caused that Grand Lodge to be inactive. When the furor was over, Cass installed the 1844 officers of the Grand Lodge of Michigan.

He was the first Worshipful Master of Amity Lodge No. 5 in Zanesville. He had received the four degrees of Royal Arch Masonry in one day - August 17, 1804 - in American Union Chapter. Later, he became the first High Priest of Monroe Chapter No.1 of Detroit on February 7, 1821.

Cass was ill on September 3, 1810, when the Grand Lodge held its first "Special Communication." It was convened "at Masons' Hall, Chillicothe: with the Deputy Grand Master presiding." Cass, however, recovered in time to preside over the closing session.

The records don't record exactly why the special session was called. The Junior Grand Warden, the Reverend James Kilbourne, reported at length on the "installation of Mount Zion Lodge, and information concerning the Brethren thereof." A special committee made a report on the subject and it was ordered to "be filed with the papers of Grand Lodge." Kilbourne instituted the Lodge, apparently on June 25, 1810, in Clinton, Knox County. It became No. 7 on the roster of the Grand Lodge.

The Grievance Committee suggested the two Brothers who were at odds over the formation of Mount Zion Lodge "come to terms of mutual reconciliation. But should this proposition be rejected, we report it as our opinion that the subject matter of such differences should be referred to Scioto Lodge, of which they are members, considering the Grand Lodge can have no jurisdiction thereof."

It also appeared the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was involved. The Charter of Amity Lodge was in the hand of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Pennsylvania had ordered the Lodge to surrender the Charter to it. The Grand Secretary was ordered to write to Pennsylvania and tell it Amity Lodge could not comply with its request.

Before the special session was closed, the Grand Lodge ordered the Lodges in Ohio "not to confer the degree of Past Master, unless on those who have been regularly elected to fill the chair." The Lodges were also ordered to confer none "of the higher degrees of Masonry, in any instance, until that time that the Grand Lodge may determine on the propriety of such a procedure, and give further instructions concerning the same."

During the Annual Communication of 1810, the Grand Lodge agreed to adopt "the form of the Charter used by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, with the necessary alterations resulting from the differences of By-laws and local situation." This was later changed and the Chapter used by Pennsylvania was adopted.

It was also agreed that "the seal used by the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, be adopted, with this difference: that the common gavel and trowel be substituted for the beehive, the plumb and the keys." Grand Master Lewis Cass informed the delegates to the Annual Communication on January 7, 1811, he had Granted Dispensations for the establishment of two Lodges. One was for Unity Lodge "held at the seat of justice of "; Portage County"; the other was for Centre Star Lodge "to be held at Granville, in Licking County. On the 8th, Cass was re-elected Grand Master.

At the suggestion of the "M. W. Grand Master of the R. W. Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," the following resolution was adopted:

Resolved, That the lodges of Master Masons, subordinate to and working under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, can not confer any degrees of Masonry higher than that of Master Mason without having previously obtained a charter from some Royal Arch Chapter, granting such authority.

American Union Lodge, still considering itself an in dependent entity, was again not represented at Grand Lodge. It was ordered, That the M.W. Grand Master be requested tn address a letter to the American Union Lodge of Marietta, again inviting them to join this Grand Lodge; and he is hereby authorized to adopt any measures he may deem expedient to effectuate that desirable
object On Motion Ordered, That the Grand Secretary cause the proceedings of this Grand Communication to be printed, and a copy transmitted to the subordinate lodges; to the lodge of Marietta, and the several Grand Lodges of the Union.

It was suggested that the Grand Lodge consider meeting some place other than Chillicothe. It was pointed out that Chillicothe was the capital of the state and therefore easier to have legislators act as proxies for those Lodges whose officers couldn't attend. This was a common practice everywhere, and would remain so in many Grand Lodges to the present day. It was more essential in the early days of Freemasonry. Travel was difficult. Lodges were spread over wide areas. They had to depend upon men who had to be in the capital to represent them.

The Brethren were back in Chillicothe on January 6, 1812, for the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. Grand Master Cass repeated an oration he had given in Zanesville earlier. The following day he was again re-elected to head the Craft in Ohio. This time, however, he appointed the Grand Chaplain, Grand Deacons, Grand Marshal, Grand Sword-bearer, Grand Pursuivant, and Grand Steward and Tyler. Previous to this Communication they had been elected.

The Grand Lodge was asked to mediate in the affairs of Nova Cesarea and Cincinnati Lodges. The dele adopted the following:

Resolved, That this Grand Lodge recommends to the Cincinnati Lodge to pay their dues to the Grand Lodge of Kentucky; and, having leave to withdraw their charter from this Grand Lodge, and return the same to the said Grand Lodge of Kentucky; and that they inform the Grand Lodge of New Jersey of the step thus taken, requesting them to return their original charter, with an assurance that they will pay all regular dues. And further, That the said lodge of Cincinnati be hereafter known and called by the name of Nova Cesarea Lodge, and by that name be represented in this Grand Lodge, and on complying with the above, the said lodge shall be entitled to a charter from this Grand Lodge, and not otherwise.

The Grand Lodge had made it clear it would not tolerate internal bickering.

Charters were ordered granted to "the Brethren of Cleveland, to hold a lodge there by the name of Concord; to the Brethren of St. Clairsville, to hold a lodge there by the name of Belmont Lodge; to the Brethren of Delaware, to hold a lodge there by the name of Hiram Lodge; and, to
the Brethren of Hamilton (Butler County), to hold a lodge there by the name of Washington Lodge."

The Grand Secretary was ordered "to number the subordinate lodges of this Grand Lodge, beginning with the No.2, and continuing progressively, agreeably to their respective charters." This was done, and the Lodges listed as:

Cincinnati, No.2, Cincinnati
Erie, No. 3, Warren
New England, No.4, Worthington
Amity, No.5, Zanesville
Scioto, No. 6, Chillicothe
Morning Dawn, No.7, Gallipolis
Harmony, No.8, Urbana
Mount Zion, No.9, Clinton
Meridian Orb, No. 10, Painesville
Centre Star, No.11, Granville
Unity, No.12, Ravenna
St. John's, No.13, Dayton
Franklin, No. 14, Troy
Concord, No. 15, Cleveland
Belmont, No. 16, St. Clairsville
Washington, No.17, Hamilton
Hiram, No.18, Delaware
Jerusalem, No. 19, Hartford
Farmers, No.20, Belpre

John Barney is considered the father of the Ohio Ritual. had earlier become interested in this phase of Freemasonry. When he met Thomas Smith Webb, the Mason who took Preston's work in England and made it more suitable for Americans, Barney found a life friend and mentor.

Barney was made a Master Mason in Friendship Lodge No. 20 Charlotte, Vermont, in 1810, at the age of 30. In 1817, he was appointed "Lecturing Master" for the Grand Lodge of Vermont. In 1826, he moved to Harper's Field, Ohio, and affiliated with New England Lodge No.4 of Worthington in1834. His work during the Baltimore Convention brought him national attention, and praise in Ohio. It also brought him the continuing appointment as Grand Lecturer. He served in this capacity until 1843. Later, he moved to Chicago, Illinois, affiliated with Apollo Lodge No. 32 and was appointed Grand Lecturer in 1845. He died two years later at Peoria, Illinois.

The United States was at war, and Freemasons were involved. This was brought out when the Grand Lodge resolved to "assume the usual badges of mourning for the term of six months, as a testimony of respect to the memory of our departed Brother Joseph Hamilton Daviess, late Grand Master of the State of Kentucky, who fell gallantly in the late engagement on the banks of the Wabash."

Indians and the British were attempting to hinder progress in the Territory. The British supplied a young Shawnee warrior named Tecumseh ("Shooting Star") with guns and powder. This enabled him to lead his warriors throughout the Northwest creating havoc. Governor William Henry Harrison of the Indiana Territory gathered a large army to destroy the Tippecanoe rendezvous. But, befor his men could put on their boots on the morning of November 7, 1811, they were overrun by Indians.

A vicious two-hour battle followed in the darkness. It was with daylight the troops were able to charge and dislodge the Indians. In all, Harrison lost 61 officers and men killed; 127 others were seriously injured.

A body of mounted troops arrived at the village of the Indians on the 8th. The village was deserted, but a large stock of British guns and powder was found and destroyed. This strengthened the hands of those in the Congress who wanted war with England. It was declared
on June 18, 1812.

Neither of Ohio's Senators voted for the declaration of war. Camphell was at home because of illness in his family. Thomas Worthington, who was to affiliate with Scioto Lodge No. 6 in 1815, voted against it. He wrote his wife: "I have done my duty and satisfied my conscience. Thousands of the innocent will suffer, but I have borne my testimony against it, and thank God, my mind is tranquil......now that the step is taken, I am bound to submit to the wall of the majority, and use my best exertions to save my country from ruin."

Worthington was as good as his word. Before the war ended, he was Governor of Ohio. In this capacity, he rallied his people behind the war effort. This was no easy task, for as with all wars, this one was unpopular.

Only two elected Grand Lodge officers, Cass and Jacob Burnet, the Deputy Grand Master, were present when the Grand Lodge convened at Chillicothe on January 4, 1813. Twelve Lodges were represented. Among them was Cincinnati Lodge No.2. It was pleased to learn that the Grand
Lodge agreed it and Nova Cesarea should unite. It approved the change of name, and "Resolved, That the Nova Cesarea Harmony Lodge is declared a subordinate lodge, and entitled to like privileges and benefits with other subordinate lodges, with the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge." And it was Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be authorized to issue a charter to the said Nova Cesarea Harmony Lodge No. 2 accordingly; and the name Cincinnati Lodge No. 2 abolished, and engrossed in the aforesaid title and member.

The "new" Lodge had learned its lessons from the problems of the past. It would not falter in later years in its loyalty to the Grand Lodge and Freemasonry as many others would.

With the rapid growth of Freemasonry in Ohio, the Grand Lodge determined a Grand Lecturer was needed. It "elected" Robert Safford of Gallipolis to the office.

Henry Brush of Scioto Lodge No. 6 in Chillicothe was elected Grand Master; James Kilbourne of Worthington, Deputy Grand Master; and Robert Kercheval of Chillicothe, Grand Secretary. Then it was determined that "all matters of controversy before the Grand Lodge shall be determined of votes."

Lewis Cass submitted a resolution stating "that the defenders of their country have a right to expect their Country's approbation." He asked the Brethren to join in mourning the death of Benoni Pierce "who died nobly while fighting bravely the battles of his country."

Dispensations were granted to Farmers Lodge at Belpre, Washington County; Pickaway Lodge at Circleville; Rising Sun at Ashtabula; Western Star Lodge at Canfield, Trumbull County; and Jerusalem Lodge at Hartford, Trumbull County."

A Military Lodge, Ohio's first, had received a Dispensation prior to the Annual Communication of 1814. It was known as Army Lodge No. 24 and was established at Camp Meigs, "or any other place where the casualties of war may direct." Its Dispensation was dated September 13, 1813,
Another Lodge, Paramuthia, had also received a Dispensation.

For the first time a full list of the Chartered Lodges was made a part of the Proceedings. In addition to those previously listed, there were

American Union No.1, Marietta
Western Star, No. 21, Canfield
Rising Sun, No.22, Ashtabula
Pickaway, No. 33, Circieville
Army, No.24, Camp Meigs (Lodge was never Chartered)
Paramuthia, No.25, Athens
Lebanon, No.26, Lebanon

The Grand Lodge officers were re-elected except for the Grand Lecturer. Edwin Matthews of N. C. Harmony Lodge No. 2 of Cincinnati was elected to succeed Safford. A name that would haunt the Grand Lodge of Ohio for years was brought up during the Annual Communication of 1815. A communication from a Mason in New York denounced "a certain 'Joseph Cerneau' as an imposter." The communication was turned over to a committee. Its report was filed.

Harmony Lodge No. 8 reported it was impossible to work under its present Charter. It called for alternate meetings at Urbana and Springfield. It asked that its Charter be surrendered and the Brethren be permitted to form separate Lodges at each place. The Grand Lodges agreed. It accepted the surrender of the Charter and issued Dispensations for two Lodges which were not named.

The Grand Lodge heard a tough report from a committee that had been appointed on "the ubject" of American Union Lodge. The report pointed out that American Union Lodge had been ordered by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, when its Charter was renewed, that it must surrender the Charter when a Grand Lodge was formed in Ohio. This the Lodge refused to do.

"That Lodge," said the committee, "by her solemn act, in July last, while acting on the invitation of this Grand Lodge, through our M. W. Grand Master, begging her to come in and unite with the famfly of her sister Lodges, rejects the invitation and declares her independence."

Your committee can not, therefore, in pursuance of the duty they owe the Craft in general, and to the happy and dutiful lodges of this Grand Communication in partuclar, refrain from recommending the adoption of the following resolutions:

Resolved, That American Union Lodge No. 1, at Marietta, by refusing to surrender her charter, and deny ing the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, has forfeited her privileges to labor, and has become an unauthorized and unwarranted lodge.

Resolved, That no member of any lodge of the State of Ohio, who may enter that lodge, after a knowledge of these resolutions, and labor in any of the duties appertaining to the Craft, or any member of that lodge, who shall sit in or assist in any labor (while working under their present charter) shall ever again be received in any lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge: Provided, that nothing herein contained shall prevent American Union Lodge from once meeting for the sole purpose of considering on these resolutions.

Resolved, That no person hereafter initiated in that lodge under its present charter, shall ever be considered or acknowledged as a Mason, in any lodge within the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, by virtue of such initiation.

Resolved, That our Most Worshipful Grand Master be required tn forward immediately to the Grand Lodges of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts copies of this report and these resolutions, under the seal of this Grand Lodge, and request their aid in reclaiming that wandering lodge;
and that our Most Worshipful Grand Master be also requested to forward a copy of this report and these resolutions to the Master of American Union Lodge.

Resolved, That whenever American Union Lodge shall surrender her charter and acknowledge the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, it shall be lawful for our M. W. Grand Master to grant to said lodge his dispensation, authorizing the continuance of its labors until the next Grand Communication.

The Report and resolutions were unanimously adopted.

The Lodges were taking their Freemasonry seriously. An account in the brief history of Rising Sun Lodge No. 22, gives a typical case: "A brother was 'found guilty of divulging the secrets of Ancient Free Masonry, and also guilty of ungentlemanly conduct in many ways'. The brother report he does not know that he has injured the lodge in any way and if he has he is sorry for it'. He was tried by 'yeas and neas' and found guilty and suspended for one year'."

Two months earlier, however, on June 20, 1815, Rising Sun Lodge voted to have "the stewards procure one ten gallon keg, five gallons whiskey, one large cheese, 50 dozen crackers and a chest sufficiently large enough to contain them." It wouldn't be too many years before the use of
alcoholic beverages would be prohibited in all Masonic Lodges and Masonic functions in Ohio.

Nine years later, in fact, the same Lodge suspended a member "for habitual inebriation, uncommon profane language, and abusing his wife." On the same night, September 7, 1824, others were tried and found guilty. One for "neglect of family, abuse of wife, and the use of more ardent spirits than is for his good." Another "for whipping his wife with an Ox gad"; another "for defrauding certain brethren and some other individuals, and absconding under false pretenses"; still another for "aiding and assisting two others to abscond to the injury of certain members of this fraternity and other individuals, also habitual intemperance and keeping persons about his house of suspicious character." To add to the embarrassment of those who broke the rules, "all this activity was published in the Ashtabula Recorder."

Two members of Rising Sun ran taverns. The Lodge didn't like what they were doing in "publicizing" Freemasonry, so it was resolved "that the use of Masonic Emblems on Tavern signs is unbecoming the character of a Mason and derogatory to the reputation of the institution and is hereby recommended that all Masons within the jurisdiction of this Lodge be requested to pay due observation to this resolution."

Many Lodges met in taverns throughout the country, and not just in Ohio. Often they were the only places in a town large enough to accommodate a fairly large group. Center Lodge No. 86 was one of them. Its historian recorded: "A rather peculiar feature regarding the meetings held in this old Tavern was that there was no matched lumber in the construction of the building, and as only hand hewn timber was available, there were many cracks and crevices which would permit sounds from above to penetrate to the lower floors, therefore when meetings were in progress, Bro. Copeland tells us in his narrative, the brethren would drag chains and roll large stones over the floor to prevent listeners from gaining information."

What is the story behind the story of American Union Lodge following the formation of the Grand Lodge of Ohio? No one appears to know exactly. Not even its historian, Charles S. Plumb. The minutes of the Lodge are almost silent as to who or why it took the action it did. Here and there is found a slim crack of light.

American Union Lodge was not represented at the 1809 session of the Grand Lodge of Ohio because "an extraordinary freshet prevented the delegates" from attending. According to a report to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, it was requested "that the installation might be postponed until they should be able to attend." But, according to the Ohio record, no one had heard from the Lodge, and no one knew why it wasn't represented.

The report adds: "No recognition of this request gave offense to said A.U.L. whereupon having assembled, they voted to recede from the compact, and remain independent of the Grand Lodge of Ohio."

The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts "held on January 10, 1809," according to Plumb, submitted the following resolution:

Resolved That this Grand Lodge considers that the Grant on Conformation of a Charter to American Union Lodge, from this Grand Lodge, has expired by the conditions therein contained, and that it is their duty to conform to the Grand Lodge of Ohio, as their lawful superiors.

The resolution was adopted. So, American Union Lodge operated illegally long before the action of the Grand Lodge in 1815.

Why? The Secretary of the Lodge doesn't record what transpired behind the scenes, or at any length what happened in the Lodge. He does write that communications from the Grand Lodge of Ohio were read in January and again on September 3, 1810. After due consideration it
was "voted, that we appoint three members in addition to the officers of this Lodge, as a committee to correspond with the Grand Lodge of Ohio . . . to make such arrangements with the Grand Lodge as they shall think proper, which shall be subject to the ratification of the Lodge."

The wording of the Grand Lodge on several occasions didn't help matters any. It appeared it was treating this Lodge as a separate, independent, entity when it specified that Proceedings be sent to other Grand Lodges and "to the Lodge at Marietta."

Finally the Grand Lodge got tough. Its correspondence was read on May 30, 1814, in American Union Lodge. The Secretary recorded: "On motion, it was Resolved, that it is pre-expedient to resign the present Warrant to the Grand Lodge of Ohio; or to any other Lodge; because that in so doing it will anielate the Royal Arch Chapter working under said Warrant. Therefore this Lodge rejects any jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ohio over this Lodge.'

This brought about the resolution in Grand Lodge making American Union an illegal Masonic Lodge. Evidently because the Lodge continued to claim its independence, Levi Barber, the Worshipful Master, resigned. When the Lodge met on October 16, 1815, only two members were present, Ichabod Nye and Nathaniel Gilman. The minutes don't state who was present on November 13, 1815, when the following was adopted (Plumb said he "improved the spelling and English):

On motion, it was Resolved, that whereas sundry brethren of this Lodge since the first of last May, have seceded and have neglected, and have refused to attend with their Brethren in the labors of the Craft at their Stated and Special meetings in this Lodge; and Whereas, the said Brethren appear to be conscientiously scrupulous respecting the proceedings of this Lodge with the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and cannot in good conscience and in charity join with the Brethren in carrying on the labors of the Craft in this Lodge; Therefore, this Lodge is willing to discharge the said Brethren who have seceded from their relations as members of the Lodge, and the said Brethren who have thus seceded are no longer bound by our by-laws.

This report went on to appoint a committee consisting of Ichabod Nye and others "to draft an answer to the communication from the Grand Lodge of Ohio of the 12th of January last and report the same to this Lodge." The report was accepted on December 11.

The name of Ichabod Nye keeps coming up and there are those who firmly believe he was behind the "independence" of American Union Lodge. Plumb felt "for many years he played a very important part in the affairs of the Lodge" and covered his history at some length.

Nye was made a Master Mason on June 12, 1798, in American Union Lodge. He was Worshipful Master in 1808 when the Grand Lodge was formed. He served again in 1810, 1811, 1815, and 1817. In 1815 he was ordered to "make a statement of his doings" as commissioner of the bank shares in his possession. He didn't, so a resolution to suspend Nye was adopted. It was never enforced. In 1817, the Grand Lodge ordered Nye's actions he published in "the public prints." All Masons associated with him were declared "irregular and spurious." It was 1853 before the Lodge took action to recover its property, and then it was against his son, Anselm Nye.

"A petition in company with sundry papers from a number of the Brethren formerly of the American Union Lodge No. 1 at Marietta, praying to be created into a new Lodge was received on January 2, 1816. This was turned over to a committee for study. The following day it reported at length.

It concluded its report:

It being therefore manifest that American Union Lodge No.1 has ceased to exist, and that the petitioning Brethren were members of that lodge and the only members who have manifested a desire to have it revived and organized under this Grand Lodge, your committee are opinion the opinion that they are the proper and legal representatives of the late American Union Lodge No.1, and that as such, they are entitled to a renewal of their charter by this Grand Lodge. Your committee therefore recommend that a charter be granted to the petitioners, by the name and description set forth in their petition, having such a reference to their former charter from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts as will show that it is a revival of the former lodge, whereby they may be entitled to the books, furniture, jewels, and funds which belong to that Lodge.

"Which report was unanimously agreed to - voting by lodges." And another resolution was adopted:

Resolved, That the American Union Lodge No. 1, working under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, be authorized to receive and reinstate in the privileges of masonry such members of the late American Union Lodges as have continued to congregate and labor since the said Grand Lodge at their last Grand Annual Communication prohibited such labor; Provided, satisfactory assurance be given to the American Union Lodge No. 1 of their readiness to comply with the rules and regulations of this Grand Lodge.

The Lodge lost no time in holding a Communication. On January 15, 1816, it "met in consequence of having received a Charter from the Grand Lodge of Ohio authorizing then to work under its authority." Levi Barber, Worshipful Master; Joseph T. Millard, Senior Warden; and Augustus Stone, Secretary, were the only officers not listed as pro tem.

The Lodge opened on the first degree in due form. On motion voted to proceed to the election of officers for the ensuing year," Augustus Stone was elected Worshipful Master. After the installation of the new officers, "the by-laws were read and unanimously accepted." The minutes
were closed by stating: "The Lodge then closed in due form to meet again on the Tuesday preceding the full moon, being Lodge communication agreeable to by-laws."

American Union Lodge was at last entitled to the No. 1." It was at last a part of the official family of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. But, like many, many other Lodges the Morgan affair would interrupt its activities and attendance at Grand Lodge.

In 1817, the delegates voted to change the time of the Annual Communication from January to the first Monday in August. It added three more Lodges to the thirty-five on the roll. Before Grand Lodge closed, a circular letter was voted by the delegates to be signed by the Grand Master and Grand Secretary and sent to every Lodge in the State. It was brought about because the Grand Master had learned that a Lodge was not careful in examining its petitioners. Within the lengthy letter was this important statement:

This celebrity and utility of Masonry depends not on the number, but on the purity and uprightness of its votaries. Therefore, in every admission, a strict observance of the Three Great Lights of Masonry is solemnly requested and enjoined. A satisfactory belief in the infallible rule of our faith and practice is ever to be required as an essential prerequisite for initiating: nothing short of which can possibly warrant an expectation that its influence will be duly realized. Integrity of heart and uprightness of deportment, together with temperance and virtuous morality, cannot in this case be correctly dispensed with. And as these qualifications are essential in admission, it is evident that their continual possession and exercise is ever after most reasonably to be expected and required. Then let it be remembered that an irrevocable decree of exclusion is solemnly passed against every impropriety that has ever introduced itself among us as Masons; and that every initiation into a subordinate Lodge will be expected to take place without deviation from the indispensable rules and ancient Landmarks of our Order.

On August 4, 1817, for the second time in the same year, the Grand Lodge again met at Chillicothe. The next day the Grand Lodge "moved in procession (preceded by a band) to the Presbyterian Church, and heard an appropriate discourse from the Rev. Bro. (Bishop Philander) Chase; after which they returned in procession to the Lodge Room." The Bishop must have made an excellent impression on the delegates. He was later elected Grand Chaplain. And for his discourse he was awarded "the sum of fifty dollars."

Two momentous decisions were reached during this session of 1817: The time for the Annual Communication was changed to the second Monday in December; this Communication would be held in Columbus. The by-laws were also changed to make a quorum 15 Lodges rather than a majority. An attempt to eliminate the fifty cents per annumcapitation tax was laid over until the following year.

Evidently the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, both from Chillicothe, were not happy with the move to Columbus. They weren't in attendance when the Grand Lodge convened on December 14, 1818. Only routine business was handled. Benjamin Gardiner was elected Grand
Secretary, succeeding Robert Kercheval of Chillicothe who had served since 1813. Chester Griswold of New England Lodge No. 4 was elected Grand Master.

Again the Grand Lodge met in Columbus. This time on December 13, 1819. It elected John Snow of New England Lodge No. 4 Grand Master. He would become one of the most eminent Masons in the State and country.

The Committee on Grievances was appalled at what a Lodge had done to one of its members, and concluded its report by stating:

For a Lodge to charge a Brother with a violation of high Masonic duties; to refuse to hear his complaints against others; to suspend on charges he never heard; and finally, to expel and publish him to the world for causes to him altogether unknown, are transactions that this committee little expected would have ever tarnished the records of any Masonic society. They are circumstances which merit an animadversion of every Mason, and loudly demand the interference of the Grand Lodge, to whom, with respect, they are submitted.

The delegates agreed with the report of the committee. The Brother was restored to "all the privileges and benefits of Masonry." In addition, the Grand Secretary was ordered to publish this fact in the Ohio Watchman and Columbus Gazette. The Grand Master was requested to "severely reprimand" the Lodge in question for its "un-Masonic" conduct.

On December 13, 1820, once again meeting in Columbus, the Grand Lodge indicated it was not through with Ichabod Nye. It adopted a resolution demanding of him and his associates "all the funds, books, papers, jewels, and other property in their hands, which appertain and of right
belong to American Union Lodge No. 1." In an unusual action, the Grand Master, John Snow, was elected Grand Lecturer.

The following year, 1821, the Grand Master in his Grand Lecturer reported:

It is evident that many, if not all the Lodges, are too much in the practice of indulging in excessive and sumptuous refreshment, thereby in a great degree impairing their ability to perform those charitable acts which ever have been regarded as the fundamental and primary
principle of our Masonic superstructure. From a view of the whole report, the committee are induced to recommend to the Grand Lodge the adoption of the following resolutions: (It recommended that several Lodges and officers be reprimanded and it concluded) Resolved that the Grand Lodge do recommend to the subordinate Lodges within its Jurisdiction discontinuance of refreshments.

The Grand Lodge concurred in his report and recommendations. It also agreed to change the date of the Annual Communication to the second Monday in January in stead of the second Monday in December. The next Annual Communication was held in Columbus on January 13 1823; no meeting was held in 1822.

A group of Masons met in the District of Columbia on March 9, 1822. They strongly recommended the establishment of a general Grand Lodge. A select committee of the Grand Lodge of Ohio made a lengthy report in 1823 on the meeting and the recommendations. It concluded the establishment of a general Grand Lodge would create confusion "and disorder throughout the Whole Fraternity." It agreed meetings of delegates from the different jurisdictions would be beneficial. It Resolved, That the establishment of a general Grand Lodge of the United States is at this time inexpedient." It agreed, however, "that the M. W. Grand Master of this Grand Lodge, Bro. John Snow, be, and he is hereby appointed, a delegate to represent this Grand Lodge in a General Convocation of the Grand Lodges of the United States, or two-thirds thereof, for the purpose of establishing a uniformity of work, and recommending such measures for the good of the Craft as they may deem expedient." The Grand Lodge concurred.

The first mention of the building of a Masonic Hall for Grand Lodge purposes was made. It was to be erected in Columbus and upon resolution the delegates concurred in the recommendation. It also recommended that the State be divided into nine visitorial districts." In the following
year, 1824, the first Deputy Grand Lecturers were appointed for these districts.

In the same year, the Grand Lodge replied to an address from the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. Again, it disapproved the "object" of the formation of a general Grand Lodge.

Paper Charters were turned in and Charters printed on parchment were issued in 1825. Ohio agreed to join with the other Grand Lodges of the United States in the erection of a "monument of our deceased brother George Washington."

It was learned that the Grand Tyler had been taken ill on his way to the Grand Lodged session. It was also known that he was a "poor man, and destitute of money to enable him to defray the expense of tending this illness away from home." The Grand Lodge determined to take care of his expenses.

It was resolved "to confer the first three degrees of Masonry gratuitously upon ministers of the Gospel." And the Grand Secretary was "instructed to forward immediately, to all the subordinate Lodges in this State, copies of the resolution of the Grand Lodge relative to the erection of a hall, for the use of this Grand Lodge."

Not surprisingly three Lodges named Lafayette, in honor of the Frenchman who came to the aid of the Colonies, received Charters during this Annual Communication of 1826. The first was formed in Eden and received No. 77; the second was in Zanesville and numbered 79; the third
from reaching of Cincinnati.

It was to the last city that Lafayette journeyed in his 1825 triumphal tour of the United States. He had been honored by Freemasons wherever he stopped. Cincinnati was no exception, but a "snag" came close to keeping him from reaching Cincinnati.

Lafayette had spent most of the journey on the steamboat Mechanic catching up on his correspondence. At midnight, he was jolted from his bunk. The ship had hit a snag in the Ohio River. It was apparent the ship couldn't be saved. George, Lafayette's son, helped him to the upper deck. Lafayette was quickly lowered into the captain's boat, along with several other guests, and rowed to the Kentucky side of the river. George remained behind to supervise the
rescue of other passengers. Everyone was saved, and spent the night huddled around a blazing bonfire.

The people from miles around welcomed Lafayette and his son when they stepped from a barge onto a public landing in Cincinnati on May 19, 1825. He was heartily welcomed by the dignitaries of the city and every organization. For the next two days, Lafayette and George were treated to parades, fireworks displays, and impressive ceremonies of every kind. Then, they boarded The Herald for the north. On the way, they stopped at Portsmouth for fuel, then
Gallipolis, a settlement founded by many Frenchmen. Their last stop in Ohio was at Marietta, the site of the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory.

Varying claims have been made throughout the years as to when and where Lafayette was made a Master Mason. Among these claims is one that he was made a Mason in American Union Lodge. This and other statements about him becoming a Mason in America are false.

Louis Gottschalk, a biographer who spent a lifetime studying Lafayette, states in his book Lafayette In America, That Lafayette was a Mason before he went to America in 1777. However no proof of this is available. His Masonic relationship prior to 1782 is unknown.

George Chaytor, then Grand Master of Masons in Delaware, is credited with telling Lafayette Lodge No. 14 of Wilmington, Delaware, in 1875, that Lafayette said he was initiated at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-78. Chaytor reported that Lafayette said Washington did not have sufficient confidence in him to entrust him with a separate command. A true or false statement that has been perpetuated throughout the years?

It's false! Two weeks before the Continental Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge, Washington gave Lafayette an independent command.

In spite of exhaustive research, nothing has been uncovered concerning Lafayette's Masonic affiliation until his name was presented to the Lodge of St. Jean d'Ecosse du Contrat Social. When his name was read out, instead of the usual ballot, Lafayette was elected by "unanimous acclamation." He sent a letter of thanks which was read at the next session of the Lodge. It wasn't until June 24, 1782, that he was able to appear in person.

Lafayette was received "with honors which were ordinarily shown of a Mason of the highest degree." He was information his election was distinct and one "reserved for heroes." And actually, one for "which there have been no previous examples." He was then "permitted to take the oath of full membership (affilie)." He was affiliated!

Before the year 1826 ended, an incident occurred in far off York that would have a profound effect upon Freemasonry in general. Its disastrous effects would be felt throughout Ohio.

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