There was a marked difference during the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge on June 19, 1838. Twenty-three Lodges were represented. Among them were four of the founding Lodges, where there had only been three the previous year.

It was happily noted that the Grand Lodge had met in Cincinnati on October 28, 1837, to dedicate a monument erected to the memory of William McMillan. He had been a valued member of Nova Cesarea Harmony Lodge No. 2 Ironically a Lodge named "Batavia" became No. 104 on the roll of the Grand Lodge.

Several Lodges that had been dormant requested permission to resume work. Among them was Eastern Star Lodge No. 55, and Golden Rule Lodge No. 31. Both of these had been assisted by the Grand Visitant, who was dismayed because he had not been able to travel as extensively as he
knew was necessary.

The delegates agreed that "a committee of three be appointed to inquire into the expediency of taking measures at the present grand communication for the permanent location of the Grand Lodge." The report of the committee was "laid on the table." It was later removed from "the
table" and passed. Lancaster was chosen as the site.

Twenty-eight Lodges and four working under Dispensation were represented at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge when it convened in Mason Hall in Lancaster on October 15, 1839.

It was heartening to note that several more Lodges had requested permission to go back to work. Typical was this one reported by Grand Master William J. Reese: "During the month of May of the present year, I received official notice from the Secretary of Canton Lodge No. 60, advising that the brethren had assembled on the 23d of the previous month, and elected their officers, and that the suspended labors of the lodge would again be resumed under favorable auspices."

Plans had been drawn for the proposed Grand Lodge building. The committee did nothing further, because of monetary situation in the country. Then, too, the Lodges "did not respond to the call made upon them with the liberality anticipated." Land had been purchased, how ever, for future use.

It was agreed that a "Masonic Chart or Manual" be prepared and submitted the following year for approval.

Grand Master William J. Reese of Lancaster Lodge No. 57 pleaded with the delegates not to re-elect him. His request was ignored, as it would be until 1843. He undoubtedly was an efficient leader. He had presided over the Grand Lodge during its darkest hours, and was bringing it back to health. He was the first Grand Master to report his action in detail to the Grand Lodge. His first report was placed "in the hands of the committee on Charters and Dispensations" in 1838. His second concerned the state of the Craft and was printed in 1839. From then until he "retired" these reports, or addresses, became more complete. In 1840 he called upon the Grand Lodge officers to visit the various Lodges throughout the State in order to "generally promote the welfare and interest of the Craft." He called upon the Grand Lodge to adopt "a correct, sys
tematic and uniform method of work." He suggested: "It would perhaps be conducive of good, should the presiding officers of the Grand Lodge be required at each Annual Communication, to present in detail, his opinions and views, in regard to matters of general Masonic interest, and to in corporate in his report such suggestions and recommendations, as the intercourse and experience, incident to his station, always qualify him to make."

Toward the end of his report, he noted:

The beautiful and marvelous light is shedding its rich radiance over portions of the country, where but a short period since "thick darkness" had gathered like a funeral pall; the Master's mallet is now sounding in Halls that have been long silent and unoccupied; the good and influential men of society are going back again to their deserted seats, and the "old banner" is
floating upon the breeze, honored and reverenced, as in the days of its balmier history. We have passed through the crises of our difficulties. Public opinion is fast settling in our favor, and the mutterings of the spent storm are heard but indistinctly through the distance. With prudence and circumspection to direct our doings, we have nothing to apprehend from the future.

A resolution from the Grand Lodge of Alabama was received which stated:

Resolved, That all Grand Lodges in correspondence with the Lodge of Alabama, be requested to elect one delegate, to meet in General Convention on the first Monday in March, 1842, in the city of Washington, for the purpose of determining upon a uniform mode of work throughout all the Lodges of the United States, and to make other lawful regulations for the interest and security of the Craft.

The Grand Master was selected to represent the Grand Lodge of Ohio at this Convention. But, he was cautioned not "to bind this Grand Lodge . . . without their subsequently ratification."

In a lengthy address, in 1841, the Grand Master noted the "representative system" had been well-received in other jurisdictions. He asked the Grand Lodge to give it consideration. He was disturbed with the Committee on Foreign Communications. He f~t it was not covering matters of interest from other Grand Lodges fully enough. He believed an installation ceremony for the Grand Lodge officers should be adopted. He commented on the Grand Lodge building: "You are all aware that this building, so long a desideratum with our Order, has at last been commenced. On yesterday, in your presence, and before the Fraternity of Ohio, the head stone of the corner was adjusted to its place in the foundation, with solemn Masonic ceremonies. The occasion was one of singular interest, both because of its influence and its prospective operations."

In his report to the Grand Lodge in 1842, Grand Master Reese summed up what had happened in Washington the previous March by stating: "The convention has expressed their deliberate opinion upon five distinct subjects, viz: 1) the representative system. 2) the necessity of issuing
Grand Lodge certificates. 3) upon the practice of receiving promissary notes for conferring the several degrees.4) upon the impropriety of transacting general Masonic business in Lodges below the degree of Master Mason. 5) upon the grade of penalty to be inflicted for non-payment of dues." He then elaborated upon each of the points. He noted that the representative from the Grand Lodge of Michigan was not permitted to attend the convention. It was considered "an irregular body, which ought not and cannot be recognized by the fraternity of the United States."

A special committee reported that of the 104 Lodges on the rolls, 46 of them had ceased to exist "without any known hopes of their resuscitation." But the Grand Master was optimistic:

On every side there is presented to our gaze a cloud less horizon and a sunny sky, so that there is nothing now wanting but the exercise of firmness and circumspection among the lodges, to realize the high benefits that belong to our organization. While I am happy in stating such to be the result in our own Masonic field of labor, it affords me great pleasure to assure you that in our sister States the evidence of general healthfulness and governmental prosperity are strikingly witnessed. Many kindred causes have co-operated to bring about this balmy condition of things; among these I am in clined to place a very high estimation upon the influence exerted by the Grand Lodges of the union. These elevated bodies have learned fully to appreciate the extent and magnitude of their responsibilities to the Craft.

It was noted that the Washington Convention was be followed by another. This one was to take place in Baltimore in May, 1843. The Grand Lecturer, John Barney, was selected to attend.

A special committee submitted a new Constitution along with revised By-Laws for the Grand Lodge. Its work was entitled "The Ancient Constitutions and the Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, and Other Formula of the Grand Lodge of Ohio." It was noted this was "Compiled, Digested and Arranged By A Committee of the Grand Lodge." It was dated May 15, 1843. Within its introduction, the committee stated:

The Ancient Constitutions, which are obligatory as fundamental regulations in all parts of the world, are for the first time, in this publication, given to the Fraternity of Ohio, under the direct sanction of the Grand Lodge. They constitute a code of essential jurisprudence, with which every craftsman should be familiar.

Grand Master Reese moved to Philadelphia during the year, so he wasn't present when the Grand Lodge met in 1843. His presence was felt, however. His lengthy and highly informative report was read to the delegates.

He said that he had visited Marietta and had urged the Brethren to resume their Masonic labors. He was disappointed because, although the representative system had been adopted by the Grand Lodge the previous year, "I have not found leisure during the past year to give this duty that attention which its importance requires." He noted: "The influence that goes out from the Grand Master's chair, is either for good or for its contrary upon the Fraternity. It can never be passive in its operation. This high office is the center of the Masonic system of this State, and like his great prototype in the natural world, must diffuse around him an atmosphere of light and heat, or there will be death and sterility and barrenness over every field of his labor."

Reese was pleased to report that he had spent two days at the Baltimore Convention. He praised the work of John Dove of Virginia, the President of the Convention, and Rev. Albert Case of South Carolina, the Secretary. He was Pleased with the results and particularly the reception that Ohio's John Barney had received. He directed Barney to visit every Lodge in Ohio and communicate the work and lecture that had been adopted by the committee at Baltimore.

John Barney was made a Master Mason in Friendship Lodge No.20, Charlotte, Vermont, in 1810. He worked with Thomas Smith Webb in learning the ritual, and they became close and lasting friends. Barney was appointed "Lecturing Master" of the Grand Lodge of Vermont in
1817. In 1826 he moved to Harper's Field, Ohio, where he affiliated with New England Lodge No.4 of Worthington in 1834. He served as Grand Lecturer of Ohio from 1836 to 1843. Then he moved to Illinois, affiliated with Apollo Lodge No. 32, and was appointed Grand Lecturer of Illinois in 1845. He died at Peoria, Illinois, in 1847.

The Grand Master whole-heartedly approved the Convention report on the need to do away with "the evils" that had "arisen from any defect or fault in the present system of organization as adopted by the Fraternity of the United States." He said the Convention had voted to have representives from every Grand Lodge meet every three years in Convention. But, it would be eighty years before delegates from Grand Lodges would again meet and discuss their mutual problems. The fear of a National Grand Lodge was and continues to be prevalent.

The Baltimore Convention changed the face of Freemasonry. Its delegates were determined to prevent another holocaust such as the one that had swept Masonry for almost two decades. They wanted no more "Morgan" incidents. So, while one group worked on a ritual, other groups
worked on rules and regulations to suggest to the Grand Lodge.

During the late 1820's and 30's, hundreds of Lodges were lost. With them went more thousands of Freemasons. Among them were ritualists and others who understood the inner workings of the Craft. From May 8 to 17, 1843, these were the matters the delegates considered important.

Committees were appointed: 1) On the work and lectures in conferring the Degrees; 2) On the Funeral Service; 3) On the ceremonies of Consecration and Installation; 4) On Masonic Jurisprudence. Ohio's John Barney was a valued member of the first committee, and took an im
portant part in the discussions of the others.

The Convention, in addition to recommending a unifrom mode of work (which never became a reality), suggested several items most Grand Lodges adopted. "A certificate of good standing" it believed was a "must". These would be a "check admirably calculated to preserve the Fraternity from unworthy Brethren from a distance, and an additional means of protection for the good and the deserving." It wasn't long before Grand Lodges began is suing "dues cards."

This Convention endorsed the conclusions reached on the Washington Convention a year earlier: Cash, not promissory notes, should be received before the degrees are conferred; business should not be conducted in any degrees below that of Master Mason; a uniform means of handling suspensions for non-payment of dues should be adopted by the Grand Lodges; that much effort is wasted because of a lack of communication between Grand Lodges, and they should send delegates to a national meeting at least once every three years.

Reese noted: "The time has passed by, and I trust forever, when the annual business of the Grand Lodge will be hurried through with locomotive rapidity, or transacted according to the stereotype formula of modern preciseness." He deplored the action of the Grand Lodge of Germany "of interdicting the admission of Jewish Brethren into the Lodge rooms."

Reese finally found a way to get out of being Grand Master. He had moved to Pennsylvania! The long-time Deputy Grand Master, William B. Thrall, was elected Grand Master.

The Grand Master's hope that American Union Lodge No.1 would ask for authority to operate under its former Charter was fulfilled. It did. The Grand Lodge concurred in its request.

It was noted that the Grand Lodge of Michigan been reformed. "The representatives of the subordinate lodges assembled, chose their officers and transacted the business of the Grand Lodge; and from that time hitherto have continued in full life and vigor as Grand and sub
ordinate bodies of Michigan."

The delegates refused to adopt a resolution that would have provided for "visiting lecturers." The revision of the Constitution and By-Laws as proposed in 1842 were "unanimously agreed to and adopted."

Economics played an important role in the activities of the Lodges during the period. But, this would always be a major function throughout the history of Freemasonry everywhere. Lodges were continually called upon to help deserving Brethren, and families in distress. Columbia
Lodge No. 44, for instance, loaned (or gave) members funds on several occasions. Its minutes note one instance on July 4, 1839: "Brother Stewart applied to the lodge for a loan of $30.00 for sixty to ninety days. It was moved and carried that the lodge loan Brother Stewart the amount,
he paying the usual interest."

The same Lodge noted in 1843: "The petition of the subscribers respectfully showeth that they believe it would be good policy to reduce the monthly dues of this lodge from 12 ½¢ to 6 1/4¢." A committee was appointed to study to proposal. It reported favorably. The dues became 61/4¢.

In Buckeye Lodge No.150 the Secretary "was censured by the shivering Brethren for having taken it upon him self to purchase a stove, without the consent of the Lodge." A committee was appointed to purchase a stove. It was later paid "35¢ take down and put up stoves." The new
stove cost $9.90; a ton of coal $2.00. The Secretary, on the night he was censured, charitably presented the Lodge with a set of the three Great Lights. Four years later the censure was ordered erased from the minutes. The Secretary merely drew a box around the passage. In the margin he marked "erased."

William B.Thrall of Pickaway Lodge No. 23 presided as Grand Master when the Grand Lodge convened in Columbus on October 23, 1844. Following the custom started by Grand Master Reese, he made a comprehensive report of his activities to the Grand Lodge. He was happy to say that "Freemasonry now enjoys throughout our country, and especially within our jurisdiction, an exemption from the malign influences of envy and distraction, to a degree rarely
Before experienced; that it is keeping pace with the onward progress of civilization and art, and gradually making its way into the favorable consideration of an unprejudiced and intelligent community."

He added: "Lodges, which long since fell into listless suspense are arousing themselves to active duty, and burnishing anew their jewels, which had become dim from long neglect and misuse. And new Lodges are springing into being in distracts where hitherto our rights have been wholly unpracticed and unknown."

Toward the close of his address, Thrall said: "As has been well remarked, 'States and Empires have their boundaries – Masonry has none'. The sad obituary reaches us from beyond the Atlantic, and our brethren of the English realm challenge our sympathies for their loss in the death of their Grand Master, the illustrious Duke of Sussex."

Freemasonry was taken seriously in the early years by many Lodges. One of them was Friendship No.89. It met on Christmas Day to hold a public installation of officers. "At 12 ½ o'clock P.M. the Lodge was formed in procession" and marched by a winding course to the "Meeting House." There they "were addressed by the Rev. Bro. S. E. Babcock in an able, eloquent, instructive and interesting manner, after which the officers were installed by Bro. H. J. Jewett in ancient form." The Brethren then marched to "Thomas Bradshaw's where an entertainment was prepared, and after which the Lodge proceeded in same order to the Lodge room." Before the Lodge was closed it voted to "appropriate" twenty dollars to pay the Reverend S. E. Babcock.

On March 12, 1844, the Secretary of the State issued a charter granted by the General Assembly, incorporating The Grand Lodge of Ohio. The Grand Lodge agreed to accept the charter and "hereafter act under its provision."

The Act of Incorporation read as follows:

AN ACT to Incorporate The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons

SEC. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That William B. Thrall, David T. Disney, W. B. Hubbard, George Kreider, Sam'l Reed, William P. Strickland, Geo. P. (W.) Claspill, John W. Milligan, J. S. Burr, and George Johnson, the present officers of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio, and their successors in office, be and hereby are incorporated by the name of The Grand Lodge of Ohio, and by which name they shall be capable of suing and being sued, pleading and being impleaded, in all courts, the same as natural persons; and with power to hold and convey real and personal property, and to do any and all other things usually done by corporations, and subject to the act now in force, entitled An Act instituting proceedings against corporations not possessed banking powers and the visitorial powers of Courts, and to provide for the regulation of corporations generally, passed March 7, 1842.

SEC. 2. That said corporators, and their successors of The Grand Lodge of Ohio, shall have power to hold in its name property as Trustee for any subordinate Lodge of this State.

Speaker of the House of Representation
JOHN M. GALLAGER,
THOMAS W. BARTLEY,
Speaker of the Senate

March 12, 1844

SECRETARY OF THE STATE'S OFFICE
Columbus, Ohio, May 11, 1857

I hereby certify that the foregoing act "To incorporate The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons," a true copy from the original rolls on file in this office.

JAMES H. BAKER,
Secretary of State

The new Grand Lodge Constitutions were evidently too detailed. The reading of them provoked several questions. Among them was whether or not the Holy Bible was required to be a part of the furniture of a Lodge. It is! Another inquiry concerned a Worshipful Master who had not served as a Warden and whether or not he would be eligible to be elected Worshipful Master was wise. It did not return a clear answer to the question. A Lodge noted that the "Ancient Constitutions" prohibit a man under the age of 25 from becoming a Mason. The committee noted: "In some countries twenty-five may be the age of majority, but twenty-one is now almost universally adopted as being the majority of years." To clear up this question a resolution
was submitted and adopted making the age in Ohio 21, without a Dispensation from the Grand Master.

Columbia Lodge No. 44 learned that its first Worship ful Master, Othaniel Looker, had died on July 23, 1845, at Palestine, Illinois. It appointed a committee on August 11, 1845, to plan a memorial service for him. It was held on September 6, 1845, at 9 a.m., with a large number of members and visitors present. A biographical sketch was added to the minutes:

The Horable Othaniel Looker, well known to Hamilton in which he had long resided and was extensively known, died at Palestine, Ill., on the 23rd day of July, 1845. He was one of the five survivors of our Revolutionary Struggle in which he bore his full share. He was born in New Jersey in 1757, emigrated to Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1807, was Associate Judge of Hamilton County Court for seven years, was elected to the State Senate in 1813, was made speaker of that body and on the resignation of Gov. Meigs in 1817, became acting Governor of State in which capacity he sustained his well earned reputation. He returned to private life honored and respected by all who knew him and died immensely lamented.

Something is certainly wrong somewhere! According to records in the Ohio State Library, sent to the Lodge on June 26, 1923, the Lodge planned a memorial service for a man still alive! According to the library, Governor Lookerdidn't due until August 29, 1846.

Grand Master Thrall told the delegates in 1845 a uniformity of the ritual was most desirable. This was one of the reasons for the convention in 1843. He added:

The venerable brother who was our representative in that convention, and who served on the committee on Work, shortly afterwards ceased his active labors among the Lodges of this State; whereby a most grave and arduous responsibility was devolved on your presiding officer; inasmuch as it was made the express duty of the Grand Lecturer, under the advice and with the concurrence of the Grand Master to cause the work of the Lodges he uniform. I was greatly relieved in the discharge of the duties thus devolved, by a communication addressed to me by Brother Carney, Past Grand Master, but at present Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, who was also a member of the convention, and served on the committee above referred to. He informed me that he had inspected the mode of teaching, both in work and lectures, as practiced by Brother Reed, our present Grand Lecturer, and that such mode conforms in all essential particulars, and in nearly all the details, to the system adopted by the National Masonic Convention.

Thrall said he witnessed Reed's work and recognized "the almost literal lessons formerly imparted by our lamented Brother, the late Thomas Smith Webb, to whose memory the Masonic fraternity owes a debt of gratitude which can never be paid."

The Committee on Ways and Means said it had to appeal to the Masons of Ohio to borrow enough money to pay off the debts owed for the Grand Lodge building that hadn't been erected. "It was apparent from the fact that confidence on the part of the creditors was lost," noted
the committee, "their patience exhausted long before that time, and executions were then pending over the property of the Grand Lodge, and against the property of several of the individuals who had become answerable for some of its debts.

The Committee on Foreign Communications believed its counterpart in the Grand Lodge of New York had an "almost overweaning anxiety to assume a dictatorial style, which we believe unbecoming the order of Masonry." New York had told several Grand Lodges that they were wrong in their actions. Ohio's committee enumerated several in cidences, then stated: "Our Brethren of the Grand Lodge of New York forget that there are, in other states, Masons as old, as experienced, and as competent to judge of Masonic jurisprudence, as any, even the most cherished, of her own members; and while we accord to her the advantages of seniority, in comparison proximity to our more eastern Brethren, we claim to stand upon a common platform; and that platform a level of the most perfect equality."

The Committee commented on the cry for unity in the performance of work and referred to the Baltimore Convention of 1843: "But, lo and behold! In the short space of about two years the word is lost – of if not last we know not where it is – each of the representatives to that con
vention claims to have the true work; and, so far as we can ascertain, each one differs from the others in many essential points."

The Gand Master reported two happy occasions. The first was on June 4 in Cincinnati. Nova Cesarea Harmony Lodge No. 2 had him lay the cornerstone of its new Masonic Hall. The Grand Master described this as "an ornament to that beautiful city, and an enduring monument to the
magnificence, taste, and Masonic spirit of the Brotherhood in Cincinnati." The second took place at Circleville when Pickaway Lodge No. 23 had him dedicate its new Masonic Hall.

In 1846, Grand Master Thrall reported Dispensations had been granted for ten new Lodges and that Northern Light Lodge No. 40 had its Charter restored. In the Grand Master's report are found statements not normally attributed to an annual address:

We live, my Brethren, in an age distinguished above all others in the annals of man, by the developments of inventions, and innovations upon established habits and customs. Within the memory of Masons not now far advanced in the down-hill of life, the cotton gin, the steam engine and the railroad car, have been introduced, and made subservient to the uses of man. These have touched as if by magic wand, the various pursuits of industry and enterprise, and the policy of nations is changed by the contact. Within the last few years the forked lightning has been divested of its terrors, and, by scientific appliances, rendered tame and manageable; and by the exertion of its mysterious powers, time and space are almost annihilated. By it, friend may hold social converse with friend, with almost the celerity of thought, though at the moment occupying points at opposite extremities of our widely expanded country. Amid these surpassing scenes of fluctuation and change, it is not a matter of surprise that new orders and association of men should spring into being, emulous of our own memorable Institution in the diffusion of genial influences, and the melioration of human woes. It would indeed be strange were it otherwise. Nor is this generous competition in the field of Charity to be deprecated; for wherever mortal man exists, there also may be found evidences of that fall, which brought sorrow and pain . . .

The condition of our race on earth is one of mutual dependence. None are so high in the scale of fortune as not to require the aid, counsel and assistance of his fellows; none so low as not to challenge their Fraternal sympathies. Give ample scope and verge, then, to all, by whatever name they be known, who are willing in this to cooperate or compete with us in the grand aim we should each have in view, namely: "To sooth the unhappy – to sympathize with their misfortunes – to compassionate their miseries – and to restore peace to their troubled minds." But, while we thus bid a hardy godspeed to those who may prefer other channels than our Lodges for communicating good, it behooves us to watch with cautious care.

Twenty years after the outbreak of the anti-Masonic craze, evidently all or much had been forgiven. The Grand Lodge was requested to lay the cornerstone of the Evangelic Lutheran Church in Lancaster. But, even during the anti-Masonic period, during some point in its sessions, the Grand Lodge attended a church service presided over by a minister.

The need to help the children of deceased Masons continued to be a concern. A committee was appointed to check with other Grand Lodges to learn how they operated such institutions.

The American Bible Society presented the Grand Lodge with a copy of the Holy Scriptures. This was done in "the Methodist Church, on Third Street, in Dayton where:

The Rev. William P. Strickland then proceeded to deliver the Oration prepared for the occasion, and was listened to with attention by the crowded auditory. The symbols of Freemasonry, their significance, and mystic language was the principle subject of his address. No one, we presume, could find fault with the beautiful truths they symbolize, of the lessons of virtue, benevolence, charity and love, which they silently and yet so eloquently speak. The plain, candid and impressive style of the orator was happily adapted to the subject and the occasion and left a good impression upon the audience. The exercises at the church were concluded with prayer, music and the benediction; when the procession again formed and returned to the Lodge.

The Committee on "the State of Masonry" made a cheerful report:

The number of our members is increasing more rapidly, perhaps, than at any former period of our history. There are but few Lodges in this or any of the adjoining states, but what are almost constantly thronged with applications for admission to our mysteries. There seems, indeed, to be a general resumption of the labors of the Craft. Lights that had been extinguished have been rekindled. The Masonic signal of labor is heard again all over the land. The Grand Lecturer of this Grand Lodge informs us that he has assisted in the conferring of about 700 degrees in this State during the last year, and we know that this number forms but a small portion of the numbers admitted to our Masonic fellowship, under our own jurisdiction, within the year. One of your committee has had the privilege within the last six months, of visiting a great number of Lodges, as well in Ohio as in Kentucky, Indiana and Michigan, and has corresponded freely with prominent members of the Order, in all the Western and South-western states and Territories from the extreme to the Gulf of Mexico; and from every quarter, and from almost every Lodge, is heard the tidings of unexampled prosperity. And from information derived from reliable sources, we believe this prosperous condition obtains in other nations, and indeed everywhere.

The committee later reported "Several of our sister Grand Lodges are zealously engaged in founding schools and colleges, and orphan asylums; and we know not why Ohio should be behind in this respect. And, from the measures taken at our present session, we have reason to hope that she will not long be behind. With our present numbers and wealth and influence, no orphan child, or widow of a Mason, should be unprovided for. Masonry should throw around them the aegis of its protection, and from its bountiful stores supply their wants."

It was noted that "Brother C. Moore, of Cincinnati, has, at great expense and labor, established and is now issuing a periodical called The Masonic Review, which has received approval and recommendations of foreign Grand Lodges." It was resolved "that this Grand Lodge cordially commend the said work to the Fraternity in Ohio, and elsewhere, as a work upon which all may rely, as containing the pure principles, precepts and teachings of our order."

The Committee on Foreign Communications' report was lengthy and informative. It noted "that in many of our sister Grand Lodges the important subject of education is claiming much attention, and that by some, institutions of learning, of a high order, are already established." It
also said that many Grand Lodges were prohibiting "the use of refreshments in the Lodge room." It went on to state,"The introduction and use of refreshments in Lodges have had a direct tendency to subvert some of the first principles of our Order, and that it endangers the onward march to that usefulness, and the attainment of that purity of character which should distinguish all good Masons, none can deny. It is equally obvious that, in their use, is involved the danger of violating one of the cardinal virtues of our Order – temperance." The committee proudly reported. "That this Grand Lodge at a very early period, urged the necessity of a strict adherence to temperance in all the Lodges under its jurisdiction."

The Committee didn't specify what "refreshments" were being banned. But, at this period the liquor question was being argued throughout the country. Temperance societies were active everywhere. Ohio was no exception. These societies weren't talking about "temperance" in the
Masonic sense. Their "temperance" meant "abolition." This question caused the downfall of the Whig political party in 1853. The Whigs couldn't present a united front on the temperance question, so it suffered a defeat from which it never recovered. The Democrats, though not openly, were opposed to temperance societies. They won the votes of the "wets."

There were 94 Lodges represented, 16 of them under Dispensation, when the Grand Lodge met in Zanesville on October 19, 1847. Grand Master William Thrall commented on this by saying: "Within the year now just elapsed, a greater number of new Lodges have been instituted within
our jurisdiction than in any previous period of the same term."

The Grand Master later noted: "Previous to the session of the Grand Lodge in October, 1843, that body had adopted no constitution as the fundamental law for its government; and its By-Laws were so inadequately framed, and so imperfect fully promulgated, as to admit of doubts among the best informed of its members whether they were in fact any such By-Laws in force."

Thrall was pleased with the new Constitutions and the large number of new Lodges. But, he cautioned:

As the rapid increase of numbers is not always a true indication of the prosperous condition of a Lodge, so neither is the rapid increase of Lodges an infallible index to the highest attainments in Masonic welfare among the fraternity. At the adoption of the constitution of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, four years since, increased guards were thrown around the subject, with a view to greater security in the prospective and gradual diffusion of Masonry throughout our widely extended jurisdiction. This was done in abundance of caution; for at that time, the dangers which prompted the action of the Grand Lodge in this particular were regarded as having only a contingent existence, to be guarded against in the remote future.

He wondered if similar, or worse, dangers might then exist, or remain just around the corner.

"I have heretofore repeatedly signified my wish to retire from the station to which the partiality of my brethren of the Grand Lodge has assigned me," said Thrall in the confusion of his address. He had better luck than Reese. He didn't have to move out of the state. Michael Z. Kreider of Lancaster Lodge No. 57 was elected Grand Master.

The Committee on Ways and Means reported that the Grand Lodge was now out of debt and it had a small balance in the treasury. Columbia Lodge had inquired of Lodge if it could ballot on two colored persons. This was referred to a select committee which reported, in a lengthy and ambiguous statement, that the two men could not be balloted on. Efforts to have this decision of the committee, which was concurred in by the Grand Lodge, turned over to another committee was "indefinitely postponed."

Samuel Reed, the Grand Lecturer, submitted his resignation. A special committee was appointed to endeavor get him to rescind his decision, but it had to report it could not. The delegates unanimously thanked Samuel Reed " the zealous, prompt and efficient manner in which he his discharged, for a series of years, the arduous and responsible duties of Grand Lecturer."

In his letter of resignation, Reed stated: "I regret above all having to levy so heavy a tax upon the members, in requiring them to unlearn much that they had acquired by great labor and diligence. But, what was I to do? I saw that the system taught by my predecessor and that taught by myself differed very materially; the question must be settled, and I reflected that I had received my Masonic instruction from a high source, and that I had in my possession documentary testimony as to its antiquity, truth and consistency with common sense – such as I was willing to live and die by. My road, therefore, became perfectly plain; and I saw no way but to levy the tax above referred to." he continued philosophically:

Having taxed your patience in the rehearsal of what I have to regret, I must crave your indulgence while I repeat a few things that I have had to admire, and that have caused my heart to leap for joy. I have seen the tears of the widow and the orphan dried, and themselves fed and clothed. I have seen prejudices of the female portion of our friends, vanish like dew before "the brilliant rays of the rising sun." I have seen the drunkard, the gambler and the profane swearer excluded from a participation in our glorious privileges. I have seen the venable Patriarch, whose locks were whitened by the frosts of some seventy or eighty winters, re-enlist under our broad banner with the ardor of youth. I have seen an aged father, surrounded by seven sons, all Masons. I have seen a father present, and his heart melt into tenderness, when his son, who was about to repair to the seat of war, receive those instructions which would enable him, in case
of dostress, to summon a brother from the enemies' camp. I have seen a father preside and confer the Master's degree upon his own son, and charge him never to disgrace a jewel entrusted to his care! And I have seen hundreds of our best citizens conducted to the Christian altar through the medium of Masonic teaching.

These thing have so affected my nerves, that I declare to you, if I know myself, they cause me to love the whole human race; and I would willingly have washed the feet of the humblest member of our venerable Order.

Our institution is now in the hands of the best class of citizens of our State. It is found in the pulpit, on the bench, at the bar, with the medical faculty, and all the ramifications of active business life, both public and private; and all engaged in endeavoring to correct the vices and purify the morals of those around them. Go on, then, dear Brethren, and may your course be onward and up ward, until we shall all meet 'in the Grand Lodge that's far awn'.

The Grand Lodge voted to have all the Proceedings from the beginning of the Grand Lodge in 1808 through 1847 placed under one binder. This became an accomplished fact.

A special committee of Columbia Lodge No. 44 made an interesting report on January 14, 1847. It was titled by the historian as "I Am My Brother's Keeper":

The committee appointed by W. M. to inquire into the subject of masonic jurisdiction in certain cases beg leave to report that they have given the subject as much attention as time and opportunity would admit.

Your committee are of the opinion that the resolution of the G. L. of Ohio gives us masonic jurisdiction over all masons whether members or not, within certain boundaries and that we have a clear right to take cognizance of their conduct when a charge is preferred against them, but not otherwise.

The question whether a non-member is compelled to obey a summons is left open but should we express an opinion we should say they were not.

The Master of the Lodge is supposed to be our common overseer. It is his duty to see that the ancient land marks of our Order intrusted to his care are not violated. He should exercise a parental authority over his such ordinates, never allowing them to degenerate to such vices as may dishonor the Order, nor provoking opposition by harsh and uncharitable measures. It is his peculiar province to admonish, to warn, and to censure such an err, and if there are no hopes of reformation, to lay the matter before his charge that they may take advisement thereof. Your committee are of opinion that no measures can be recognized as regular in such cases until a charge is preferred in writing properly verified, and laid before the Lodge.

Your committee would also say, that Masonic usages should be carefully observed, that no severe measures should be indulged in until all other measures of reclamation are tried. We are taught that charity is the first and most important of Masonic duties (and where can charity be more properly exercised than for an unerring brother). Let us be careful therefore that we do not attempt to dislodge the mote in our brother's eye before we have discharged the beam from our own. None of us can pretend to perfection, all have their faults, all their failings. On those imperfections therefore we should look not with that Pharisaical spirit which sayeth, "Stand aside, I am better than thou"; but with that brotherly love which is as strongly enjoined us, and with all the charity that is consistent with our masonic duties.

Who can tell all the temptations to which our brethren are subjected, their trials, their misfortunes, and their difficulties. These should not in any wise be overlooked.

In the words of a celebrated poet, and one who was not only a Master of a Lodge, but an ornament to Masonry, let us exclaim:

"Who made the heart? ‘Tis He alone
Decidedly can try us.
He knows the harp; it's various tone
Each string its various bias."

And your committee believe that there are masons against whom charges might be preferred, who are really as good masons at heart, as the best amongst us, although they may have erred and need reprehension. But deal gently that the Good Master above, seeing our disinterested endeavors, may bless our efforts.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

More and more men were petitioning for the degrees in Freemasonry during the year 1848. McMakin Lodge No. 120 (Marion in 1848) reported: "In March, due to a large volume of work, the Lodge was in continuous session for an Entire week. The Lodge adjourned from day to day until the work was completed. Working every day until Monday at 2 P. M., Tuesday at 1 P. M. Wednesday at 9 A. M., Thursday at 9 A. M. And Friday at 9 A. M. Brother Luce, a professional lecturer, was paid $20.00 for his services during this week.

These candidates of Marion (now McMakin) Lodge was required to learn the "Work Lecture" before being permitted to advance to the next degree. It many have been this that caused several ladies to visit :Marion Hall." The Master wisely called the Lodge to Refreshment. Then "Brother Emmet conferred upon them a new degree called ‘The True Kindsman.' their curiosity must have been satisfied." They didn't return.

One hundred twenty-three Lodges were represented in the "Senate Chambers in Columbus" on September 25, 1848, when Grand Lodge convened. Thirteen Dispensations had been issued for new Lodges during the year.

The Grand Treasurer was ordered to obtain new jewels for the Grand master and Grand Chaplain. The other jewels were to be repaired. This was done. The cost, $30!

The Trustees of Worthington College, through James Kilbourne its President, offered to transfer the College property over to the Grand Lodge for the founding of a Masonic college. The Committee on Education submitted a lengthy report. No final action was taken, nor would it ever be taken.

The Committee on Foreign Communications welcomed the Grand Lodge of Vermont back into the "galaxies of working Grand Lodges, after its long inactivity caused by the anti-Masonic excitement and persecution."

Magnolia Lodge No. 20 held a communication in Columbus on December 11, 1848, that was unusual. So unusual in fact that Past Grand Master William B. Thrall was requested to preside. It was announced that "There were present in the city a number of individuals of the Chippewa Nation of Aborigines, who claimed to be members of the Masonic fraternity, and who proposed to visit the Lodge."

A committee was appointed to examine the visitors. "After an absence of some time, the committee reported to the convocation that they had necessarily conducted a fine examination through the intervention of an interpreter, Brother John Baptiste Martell of said Chippewa Nation; that by reason of the great diversity in life and habit between that people and our own the subject became if intense interest; that they recognized as in the possession of the individuals in question the great fundamental principle of Masonry divested indeed of much of their ornaments, which are the results of a knowledge of the arts of civilization and refinement, that though rude and unpolished like the rough ashler, these sons of the forest, the river, and the plain, bore evident marks of having been wrought upon by the hand of the Master, and the latent beauties of the diamond would occasionally sparkle forth. Two of the chiefs claim to be Grand Masters in their Nation."

The Lodge was called to refreshment. The visitors were further examined in the presence of everyone. At the conclusion, Thrall welcomed them on behalf of the Fraternity. Then "they lighted and passed about the Calumet of peace and Friendship."

On the following day, John Baptiste Martell applied to Magnolia Lodge for membership. A "committee of the whole" considered the matter. It decided to confer the First Degree of Masonry on Martell. Whether he went any further is unknown.

The President of the Masonic College of Kentucky, William T. Leacock, D.D., spoke to the delegates in the Episcopal Church, Steubenville, on October 17, 1849. During this Annual Communication a committee was appointed to obtain a "suitable block of Ohio marble to be laid in the monument now being erected in Washington city, to the memory of our illustrious Brother, George Washington."

A committee of five was appointed to "collect the facts and incidence connected with the introduction, progress and history of Freemasonry in the State of Ohio, as may be important for preservation."

Among the Charters granted was one for Thrall Lodge No. 170, named after William B. Thrall. Even the Grand Master, Michael Z. Kreider, had a Lodge under Dispensation named for him. This one would never be Chartered.

The Grand Master reported on October 15, 1850, Dispensations had been issued for ten new Lodges. One of them was for a Lodge in a "mining district of California." The "gold rush" of 1849 had reached into the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

Kreider was pleased to report the Grand Lodge had laid the cornerstone of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Lockbourne, Franklin County, on July 24, 1849. He also called attention to the schism still existing within the Grand Lodge of New York.

A "very choice block of Dayton Stone, four feet long, two feet high, and about fifteen inches wide, the size required by the Monument Association, had been prepared." It was to be shipped to the District of Columbia for the Washington Monument. But, it would have to wait until
"the rise in the Ohio will permit its transportation." It was noted the "face of the stone" had been engraved.

The Grand Lodge adopted a resolution rescinding "the approving and authorizing of Masonic work agreed upon by the Baltimore Convention, which said work we do not possess or abide by." Ohio wouldn't be the only one to take this action. Even 135 years after this convention, there I would be no uniformity of the ritual anywhere.

Colonel John Johnson was called upon by the Grand Master to address the Grand Lodge. He was a member of McMillan Lodge No. 141, Cincinnati, and considered "the oldest Mason in Ohio, of the West." Within his address he said: "The frost of seventy-six winters are on my head, fifty-five of those have passed away since I became a Freemason. My Masonic paternity belongs to the great Commonwealth of Virginia jurisdiction; and was therefore contemporary in the Craft with the great, good Washington, having had the honor also of participating, in person, at his funeral ceremonies." That would have been December 18, 1799.

Thomas Smith Webb had died in Cleveland on December 6, 1819. Where he was buried was not known. A committee was appointed to determine the place of his interment. If found, it was to try to obtain permission transfer his remains to the Masonic grounds of Greenlawn Cemetery, near the city of Columbus. The search was not successful.

The Grand Lodge adopted a resolution which stated: "That Lodges in Ohio, (if any there be), claiming to be Masonic Lodges, and not working under authority of this Grand Lodge, are clandestine."

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, (formerly Communications) reported the Grand Lodge of California had been organized at Sacramento on April 17, 1850. "Our Brethren of the new El Dorado, while searching for the gold of the earth, have not forgotten the golden principles of Masonry." The Committee called upon the "Willard," "Phillips," and "St. John's" Grand Lodges of New York to join with the regular Grand Lodge and adjust their differences.

Grand Master William B. Hubbard of Columbus Lodge No.30 told the delegates on October 23, 1851, that he had made a man "a Mason at Sight." He said this high prerogative was handled with great care, and only after receiving the consent of the Lodge which had jurisdiction of
the applicant. He required the degrees to be conferred on the unknown man in a regular Lodge.

Proudly it was claimed that Ohio was "the first Masonic body in the United States to proffer its tribute" for the Washington Monument. It had been shipped at a cost of $17.11.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence took the Grand Lodge of New York to task for its "arrogant and dictatorial spirit toward this and other Grand Jurisdictions." It didn't like the "unwarranted attack" on Ohio's Grand Secretary. It also didn't like the Grand Lodge of New York recognizing "St. John's Grand Lodge which it had declared clandestine for over thirteen years." For some reason the Committee believed New York should recognize the "Willard Grand Lodge" as the regular Grand Lodge of New York. It so recommended, and the Grand Lodge of Ohio concurred!

It was noted that the Grand Lodge of Louisiana was having its problems, also. Several Lodges claimed to derive their authority from a body calling itsdf the "Supreme Grand Lodge of the 33d degree of the Scottish Rite." The Grand lodge called such Lodges clandestine. It prohibited
intercourse with their members and the members of itsGrand Lodge. This caused the Grand Lodge to adopt the following resolution: "That in the opinion of this Grand Lodge, the Grand Lodge of Louisiana has adopted the only proper course to maintain her authority, by excluding from 5 the privileges of the Order whose Lodges within her jurisdiction, that assume to derive their Charters from an unauthorized and spurious body." This resolution would be recalled in a few short years when Ohio was "invaded" by that, or a similar, body.

In his address in 1852, Grand Master Hubbard paid tribute to two outstanding Masons who had died: John Snow of Worthington, and Henry Clay of Kentucky. He also paid tribute to the work of B. F. Smith who had served as Grand Secretary since 1846. At the Methodist Episcopal Church in Chillicothe he presented Smith with a Past Master's jewel. John D. Caldwell, who would serve until 1888, was elected Grand Secretary.

A memorial to John Snow noted that he was born at Providence, Rhode Island, February 25, 1780. He was initiated into Freemasonry in Mount Vernon Lodge in Providence on February 14, 1809. He was serving as Master of this Lodge in 1817 when he moved to Worthington, Ohio.
He appeared as a visiting Brother in New England Lodge No. 4 on September 24, 1817. The following year, he was elected Worshipful Master of New England Lodge and served until 1823. In 1827, after he retired from the office of Grand Master of Masons in Ohio, he was again elected Worshipful Master and served until 1832. He served as Grand Master from 1819 until 1824. He served as Grand High Priest in 1818 and 1819. In 1818, he organized Mount Vernon Encampment No.1 Knights Templars at Worthing ton. This was called "the first encampment of Christian Knighthood instituted northwest of the Ohio River, in the great North-western territory." John Snow and Thomas Smith Webb were close personal friends, business associates and co-workers in the cause of Freemasonry. They were engaged in business at Worthington from 1817 to the death of Webb in 1819. It was noted that Webb went to Boston in August 1818 to attend to some matter connected with their business venture at Worthington, and was on his return trip when he was taken suddenly ill and died at Cleveland. John Snow died May 16, 1852, at the age of 72 years.

Thomas Corwin was serving as Secretary of the United States Treasury in 1852. In that year Lebanon Lodge No. 26 suspended him for non-payment of dues. To take this action against a man who had served as Grand Master of Masons in Ohio in 1828 is certainly unusual. And he was only $5.50 behind in the payment of his dues. There were some red faces when it was learned Corwin had advanced the Lodge $50 ten years before to assist in the payment of rent for
the Bradley House. Twenty five dollars had been repaid to him; the balance he had applied to the pre-payment of his dues. It was 1858 before the Lodge learned it actually owed Corwin money, and not the reverse.

The Deputy Grand Master, A. D. Bigelow, had died in New Orleans of yellow fever prior to the October 18, 1853, Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.

Within his address, Grand Master Hubbard, reported that a Grand Lodge had been formed in the territory of Minnesota, and recommended it receive, "the right had of fellowship." The Grand Lodge concurred.

The Grand Master also reported he had heard "side degrees" were being conferred upon the wives and daughters of Masons in Springfield. On investigation, he found these degrees had been conferred by an "itinerant mmember" of the Order. He emphasized his strong disapproval of such proceedings and ordered charges to be preferred against the Brother. The jurisprudence committee agreed that such degrees should not be conferred as they are an imposition upon the ladies as well as upon the Craft. It recommended that any Mason conferring them should be subject to Masonic discipline. The Grand Lodge concurred by "a Lodge vote."

On the afternoon of October 20, the Grand Lodge headed by the Grand Master laid the cornerstone for the new depot in Chillicothe of the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad Company. A "vast concourse" of spectators watched the ceremonies. At their close, the Masons accepted an in vitation to enjoy a ride over a portion of the road.

The committee appointed to change the names of those Lodges with duplicate names reported its result: Amity No. 132 became Trowel; Clinton 113, Mechanicburg; Friendship 103, Dresden; Hiram 88, King Hiram; Jefferson 182, Smithfield; Lafayette 175, Lone Star; Marion 120,
McMakin; Malta 145, Valley; Mt. Moriah 177, New Philadelphia; Union 102, Felicity; Union 127, Wellington; New, Union 184, Irville; Washington 100, New Carlisle; Washington 107, Fayette; Washington 108, Wakatomica; Washington 122, Moscow; and Yeatman 193, Snow.

La Fayette Lodge No. 79 of Zanesville and Lafayette Lodge No. 81 of Cincinnati didn't want their names changed. They submitted correspondence to the Grand Lodge to show why they should remain "Lafayette." They won their battle! Ohio continues to have two Lafayette Lodges on the roster, La Fayette No. 79 and Lafayette No. 81. The difference in spelling helps make it legal. There are also two Hamer Lodges, No. 167 in Wapakoneta and No. 228 in Owensville.

At least one Lodge had little trouble in changing its name. Marion Lodge 120 held John McMakin in high esteem. He had been born in Nottinghamshire, England in 1804. In 1810, his family settled in Cincinnati. His eventful life included 19 years of service as a Brigadier General of the Ohio Militia.

This Lodge, as were many others in Ohio, was called upon on many occasions to pay the expenses funerals for the for its members. In June 1848, one of its members was murdered. The Lodge paid Mt. Pleasant Band $15 to provide music; $9.00 to a man for making the coffin; and $2.00 to another man to dig the grave.

Charity was always an important function of the Lodges. An example was reported by Hiram Lodge No. 18. Two of its members lost the foundry they owned and operated because of a fire. The Lodge did what it financially could to help the brothers. It then asked for assistance from
other Lodges. The historian adds: "It seems that in those days Masons attempted to secure assistance from brothers in other lodges rather than taking out insurance as is the modern way of recovering for such calamities."

He was correct. The records of disastrous fires that destroyed Lodges not covered by insurance of any kind were constantly noted by the Grand Lodge.

The Grand Lodge welcomed The Grand Lodges Oregon, California and Minnesota by saying. Thus it will be seen there has lately been born to us three young sister who bid fair to vie with us in wisdom, strength and beauty. The Masonic arch now spans our Country; its canopy extends from ocean to ocean."

New York was still having problems. The Grand Lodge of Hamburg had established Lodges within the state.

The Grand Lodge met on October 17, 1854, in Chillicothe. The Grand Master L. V. Bierce of Akron Lodge No. 83 was pleased to report that Freemasonry was growing in Turkey and China. He said twenty new Lodges had been organized in England and seventeen in Ohio during the
past year. He wasn't happy with the number of members dimitting and continuing to visit and enjoy Freemasonry. He declared this was a violation of the constitutions and principles of the work. He issued an Order commanding each Lodge in the State to summon every Master Mason residing in its jurisdiction. If these Master Masons were not a contributing member of some regular Lodge they were to show cause why they neglected to be contributing members. Those who neglected to do so were to be suspending from all rights and benefits of Freemasonry. This
order cased a large number to affiliate and become active members of the Craft.

A select committee reported the truth in the Bible "is an essential article in the Creed of Masonry, and that he is not sound in the faith who questions the authenticity of that Book of books." It submitted the following resolution: "That Masonry as we have received it from the
Fathers, teaches the Divine authenticity of the Holy Scriptures; and the views of candidates on this subject should be ascertained by the Committee of Enquiry, or otherwise, as well as their other qualifications and fitness to be received into the Order."

Erie Lodge No. 3 of Warren had been Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Connecticut on October 19, 1803. This Lodge was the instigator of the Convention which led to the formation of The Grand Lodge of Ohio. In its history writ ten in 1891, the reasons for its disbanding were noted:

The prosperity and harmony that had prevailed in Erie Lodge until the close of 1828 then came to an end and a long period of darker aspects opened.

Seizing on an unfortunate circumstance which occurred in a neighboring State, aspiring political demagogues took up the cry, and then, as now, pandering to the prejudices of the ignorant and uninformed for the purpose of gaining the honors and emoluments of office, raised an anti-Masonic tempest that, aided and encouraged by false Brethren who could readily make merchandise of their honor, swept over the whole country. It is not, however, our intention to repeat the story of those times, when to he an avowed Mason was sufficient of itself to brand the man with infamy, and yet an allusion must be made to those days in reference to their effect on the subject of which we are writing. Such exterminating zeal and wild fanaticism prevailed that in some towns where the lodges continued to meet, their rooms were broken into and their property publicly destroyed, and such a defection of members who before were considered "good and true," that even the really worthy could not maintain their Masonic position in an organized form without incurring the enmity of the public and social ostracism by the community in which they lived.

In obedience to public opinion, then so inflamed, and concluding to let time, reason and calm judgment determine the right, many of the lodges in Ohio and in most of the States ceased to work as such. Some of them voluntarily surrendered their charters, some gave them up on
the call of the Grand Lodge, while others with colors still unfurled died charter in hand. The charter of Erie Lodge No. 3 was consumed in 1523, when the house of Brother Edward Spear was burned.

Erie Lodge No. 3 held its last recorded communication on October 3, 1827. In 1854, several members of the Craft joined together to ask for a Dispensation to return to work. Grand Master William B. Dodds gladly issued a a Dispensation on June 2, 1854, to "Western Reserve Lodge ." The name "Erie" had been assumed by another Lodge. The Grand Lodge, charitably, on October 18, 1854, granted a Charter - not to Western Reserve but to "Old Erie Lodge No. 3." Another happy ending showing Brotherhood in action.

It was reported that the Obelisk erected in Worthington to the memory of John Snow had been duly inscribed. On it was engraved a star showing Snow's relationship with the Knights Templar. In the center was placed a replica of the jewel worn by Snow when he presided as Grand Master.

There were other appropriate emblems of "the symbolic degrees of the Orders of Christian Knighthood." The inscription read: "The Grand Lodge of Ohio, inscribes this Testimonial of Fraternal regard to the memory of an early and eminently distinguished Grand Master, John Snow, who died May 16, 1852, in the 73rd year of his age."

The per capita was reduced from $.50 to $.25.

In December, 1854, Lorin Andrews of Ashlar Lodge No. 151, was asked to accept the presidency of Kenyon College. He did. Four years earlier Kenyon College had conferred the honorary degree of L.L.D. on Andrews. Andrews would raise a company, be appointed Colonel of the 4th Ohio Regiment, and die on September 18, 1861, from typhoid fever.

Ashland Lodge was reluctant to let the public know anything about what it was doing. A motion to place notices of Lodge meetings in the local paper was heatedly debated. When it was finally put to a vote, the motion was lost.

The Grand Lodge met at Mansfield on October 23, 1855. The Grand Master, William B. Dodds, a member of Nova Cesarea Lodge No. 2, reported he had granted eleven dispensations for new Lodges. He was disturbed by the wide differences of "the work and lectures of the degrees in va
rious Lodges." He went on to say: "Wide and radical differences exist; so much, indeed that one would suppose that the curse of Babel had fallen on them or that they, like the Jews and the Samaritans, had no dealing one with the other, that many expedients had been adopted and tried, including that of a Grand Lecturer, but all signally failed." He recommended the State be divided into Districts and a Lecturer appointed for each District. This proposition was discussed but "laid on the table."

The Deputy Grand Master reported that he had issued four Dispensations for new Lodges. He had refused to issue two others.

The Grand Master was authorized to employ a clerk to assist him. The salary was to be no more than $200 a year. The Grand Master and Grand Secretary were authorized to secure a safe and suitable room for the storage of the archives and property of the Grand Lodge. The cost not to exceed $50 per year. Twenty-one new Lodges were chartered.

Nevitt & Deicksons Hall, Zanesville, was the site for the Communication of the Grand Lodge on October 21, 1856. The Grand Master was pleased with the popularity of Freemasonry. But he cautioned the members to "exercise care, prudence and strict scrutiny and investigation as to
all applicants for membership." He also called for stricter supervision by the Grand Lodge over the uniformity in the work.

A committee was appointed to present plans for the celebration of "the semi-centennial anniversary of the organization of the Grand Lodge."

The recommendation made the previous year that the State be divided into six districts was approved and a District Deputy Grand Master was appointed for each district. The counties as were divided as follows:

First District: Adams, Highland, Brown, Clermont, Hamilton Butler, Warren, Clinton, Ross, Fayette, Greene, Montgomery, and Preble (13).

Second District: Darke, Mercer, Auglaize, Shelby, Miami Clark, Champaign, Logan, Hardin, Marion, Union, Delaware Franklin, Pickaway, and Madison (15).

Third District: Van Wert, Paulding, Defiance, Williams, Fulton, Henry, Putnam, Allen, Hancock, Wood, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wyandot (15).

Fourth District: Huron, Erie, Lorain, Cuyahoga, Medina, Wayne, Stark, Summit, Portage, Geauga, Lake, Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana (15).

Fifth District: Crawford, Richland, Ashland, Monroe, Knox, Coshocton, Holmes, Tuscarawas, Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson, Be]mont, Guernsey, Muskingum, and Licking, (15).

Sixth District: Monroe, Noble, Washington, Morgan, Athens, Meigs, Gallia, Lawrence, Scioto, Pike, Jackson, Vinton, Hocking, Fairfield, and Perry (15).

The First District Deputy Grand Masters appointed were: William B. Dodds, Past Grand Master, but be couldn't serve, so Horace M. Stokes of Lebanon was appointed in his place. The Second District was represented by William T. Snow; the Third District, Alexander H. Newcomb; the Fourth District, Reuben R. Bourn; the Fifth District, Joseph Hildreth; the Sixth District, Oakley Case.

During 1856, a Cayuga Indian Chief was admitted to membership in Summitt Lodge No. 213. He had been the first man initiated in Hanover Lodge, Forestville, New York. He had been educated by Quakers and become a physician. During the Civil War, he would become famous as a surgeon. His name was Peter Wilson.

The District Deputies met with Grand Master B. F. Smith of Mt. Zion Lodge No. 9 and Past Grand Master William B. Thrall in Columbus on January 20, 1857. For the next 12 days they worked on perfecting the ritual. The Grand Master "was gratified to find they had come so near
the work I first saw and heard practiced in a Masonic Lodge . . . that I gave it my approval and official sanction, which was concurred in by P.G.M. Thrall."

Grand Master Smith had moved out of the state on May 1, turning the affairs of the Grand Lodge over to the Deputy Grand Master, Merideth D. Brock. Brock read the Grand Master's address on October 20 when the Grand Lodge convened in Massillon.

In this address he claims he had heard but little concerning "itinerant lecturers" since the District Deputies exemplified the degrees around the state. He didn't like Masonic journalists using the term "regalia" (which he said was "stolen from Odd Fellowship") instead of the correct Masonic usage "clothing."

The Deputy Grand Master said that the Grand Lodge of Ohio had become the second largest in the United States, numbering nearly 300 Lodges. He recommended that future Grand Masters be required to report their decisions, and that these be published in the proceedings. He also recommended that the fees for the Degrees be increased and made uniform throughout the State.

The District Deputy Grand Masters exemplified the ritual and the work of the three degrees. At the completion, the Grand Lodge approved the work and authorized the District Deputy Grand Masters to communicate the work to "such Lodges as desire to receive it."

It was announced that the Grand Lodge of Nebraska in the Territory of Nebraska had been formed and that most of the Grand Lodge officers were former citizens of Ohio.

The Grand Lodge changed the title of the District Deputy Grand Master to "District Lecturers," and restricted their powers to instruction in the ritual.

The Committee on Ways and Means threw a damper into the purposed celebration of the first fifty years of the Grand Lodge. It said it was inexpedient to appropriate any of the Grand Lodge funds" for this purpose. The Grand Lodge concurred in its report.

After a long deliberation that had gone on for years, the office of Grand Lecturer was finally abolished. The Grand Lodges of Canada and Kansas were formally recognized and "welcomed into the Brotherhood of Grand Loges," And The Grand Lodge of Ohio continued to grow. It added nine new chartered Lodges to its roster.

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence made a short report. It claimed that "to Ohio belongs the credit of introducing the reviewing of the transactions of the various Grand Lodges." This was started in 1828. It also claimed credit for "the practice of the Grand Master submitting Grand Lodge a written report of his doings." This started in 1839 when William J. Reese was Grand Master. It also claimed that there was a movement afoot still to form a National Grand Lodge.

The Grand Lodge met at Columbus on October 19, 1858, Grand Master, Horace M. Stokes of Lebanon Lodge No. 26, reported that he had visited the Grand Lodge of Indiana during its Communication in May. He felt that innovation were taking place in Masonry and said: "It
should be our aim in legislating for Masonry, to restore the old ways, not to seek out new devices."

The Grand Lodge continued its charitable ways by appropriating $200 for Relief Lodge No. 1 of New Orleans. The Grand Master thanked this Lodge, and the Masonic Board of Relief of San Francisco, for aiding distressed Ohio Masons. Why the relief was needed is not stated.

A Lodge had expelled a member "for striking his wife with a white wash brush." The Grand Lodge upheld the suspension.

The Grand Lodge strongly condemned the use of Masonic emblems in connection with the conducting of business and in advertisements. It adopted the following resolution: "That the use of Masonic emblems on business cards or by way of advertisements, except for legitimate Masonic purposes, be and the same is hereby disapproved." It also resolved "that any member of the Craft, guilty of a violation of the above resolutions, is a proper subject if discipline." This prohibition is still in effect.

Nine Lodges were Chartered; Dispensations were granted for two Lodges; the Dispensations for four Lodges were continued. Dispensations were refused for the firmation of three Lodges.

John Dove, the Grand Secretary of The Grand Lodge of Virginia, had sent a communication to The Grand Lodge of Ohio. In it be had suggested the establishment of "a universal Masonic Congress." The Grand Lodge disagreed. It said "it is inexpedient for this Grand Lodge to aid in
the formation of a Universal Masonic Congress."

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence was pleased to announce that a Union had been effected between the Ancient Grand Lodge and The Grand Lodge of Canada. It also reported The Grand Lodge of New York and the Phillips Grand Lodge of the same State had reconciled their diffferences.

On July 4, 1859, the Grand Lodge was opened in a special session to lay the cornerstone of a new Masonic Temple to be erected by Lebanon Lodge No. 26. The Grand Master said: "At the altar of this Lodge, which has furnished the Craft of this Grand Jurisdiction three Grand Masters, and to The Grand Lodges of Illinois and Nebraska their present Deputy Grand Masters, I was first brought to light. The Lodge was then just emerging from the bale ful effect of the anti-Masonic tornado, . . . and its devoted members had reorganized the Lodge, and its meetings were held in the attic of a tavern."

"Harmony and Peace in a wonderful degree prevail among and within our three hundred Lodges," said Grand Master Stokes on October 18, 1859. "And the Brethren throughout the land seem to be striving in the true spirit of our teachings, to show who can best work and best agree."

The Grand Master reported he had laid the cornerstone of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Medina on September 21. Sickness prevented him from being present to lay the cornerstone of a monument on Gibraltar Island. The Deputy Grand Master, J. N. Burr, performed the ceremonies. The monument was in "memory of the gallant defenders of the Lakes in the War of 1812." The cornerstone was laid on the anniversary of Perry's Victory - September 10, 1858.

The Grand Master was pleased with the way the Lodges were learning the work. He said that he had visited several sister jurisdictions and was gratified to find that in essentials there was no material difference. He then added: " An Ohio Mason, well instructed in his profession according to our teachings, will pass current in any jurisdiction. He needs not instruction from teachers in other States who pretend to have discovered the 'Webb Work, and who are engaged in circulating their rituals as merchandise in the most reprehensible manner."

The Grand Master said he had been in Chicago on business the previous September. While he was there, a session of the "National Association of Grand Lodges" which had been called by The Grand Lodge of Maine for the purpose of forming a permanent organization was meeting.
He attended as "a silent though deeply interested spectator." He told his Grand Lodge he objected to such National organizations in Masonry as being dangerous. He claimed that instead of them remaining the creatures of the Grand Bodies creating them, they soon became independent and the Grand Bodies became subordinate to the National Body.

The Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence recommended all balloting for degrees and other business must be held in a Lodge of Master Masons. The only exceptions were the conferring of the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft degrees. The Grand Lodge concurred. The Grand Lodge also condemned and disapproved the action of itinerant and unauthorized persons "imposing their so called ritualistic work on Brethren for purely selfish purposes." It prohibited the Lodges from receiving instruction from "any other teachers that the M. W. Grand Master, or his proxy, or the District Lecturers appointed by the authority of this Grand Lodge."

A special committee reviewed the proceedings of the Masonic Convention held at Chicago, Illinois, on September 13-14, 1859. It said it would be happy to approve any plan that would advance the interests of Masonry and tend to cement the Grand Lodges in Fraternal Brotherhood. Ever, it was opposed to any plan that would "swallow up their sovereignty and independence."

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence praised the work of the Masonic Board of Relief of San Francisco which had dispersed $3,700 during the year. Relief Lodge No. 1 of New Orleans had dispersed $3,503. It felt Illinois, which had issued 42 Dispensations during the year, was
"growing too fast." It quoted the Grand Master of Masonic in Vermont as saying: "My Brethren, if any associated body of men ever had cause for thankfulness and gratitude to God for mercies received in His hand, it is the body I am now addressing."

The Grand Lodge unanimously agreed that "expulsion or suspension of a Lodge member" from any other body doesn't affect his standing as a Master Mason.

Among the cornerstones laid by Grand Master Stokes was one for the Protestant Orphan Asylum of the City of Cincinnati, at Mount Auburn on June 27, 1860. He convened the Grand Lodge on September 10 and "dedicated according to Masonic usage, in Cleveland, the Statue of Commodore Oliver H. Perry." This statue honored "that distinguished officer" and commemorated the Battle of Lake Erie.

One hundred seventy-five Lodges were represented when the Grand Lodge convened in Columbus on October 16, 1860. By unanimous vote it was "re-enacted" that "All proceedings, ballotings and business of the Lodge shall be had in a Lodge of Master Masons, that of conferring the degrees of E. A., and F. C., alone excepted."

A special committee was appointed to sell the Grand Lodge lots in Lancaster. This brought to an end for over 90 years an attempt to build a Grand Lodge office.

Before the Grand Lodge could convene again, the war clouds long on the horizon broke. The nation was deluged by the blood of brothers and friends. Freemasonry would remain about the only bright beam in the madness and darkness in the United States.

* * * * * * *

Few events so clearly divide the history of any people as the American Civil War. The nation and the state of Ohio emerged from the conflict greatly changed. The exuberance of the young nation was tempered with the grief of the war and shocked by the assassination of a hero. More importantly, new forces that were set free by the war set in motion changes that would affect the character of the nation over the remainder of the nineteenth century.

Most noticeably, the nation in general and Ohio specifically was beginning to lose its rural character. Cities grew, factories replaced farms, and communication and transportation drew all closer together. From the 1870s on, rural counties in Ohio lost populations as the cities – Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Akron, Youngstown, Dayton – grew as the farm population flocked to their factories.

By 1876, the nation's 100th birthday, Ohio had become one of the leading states in the Union. It was the fourth largest in population but first in many other areas. The state was the home of John D. Rockefeller and the birth place of the modern corporate trust. Ohio was also the home state of Thomas Edison and Charles Brush, the inventors of the light bulb; Charles Hall, the first man to economically produce aluminum; and of the great rubber manufacturers in Akron. As the century closed, Ohioans were working on the twentieth century - Orville and Wilbur Wright were already developing the airplane, for example.

In addition to the industrial and technological leader ship that Ohio exerted, it also became the most dominant political force in the nation. Gen. U. S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, and William McKinley, all Ohioans, served as President between 1868 and 1900. John
Sherman, brother of the Civil War general, was a leading Senator and six Ohioans served on the Supreme Court, two of whom (Salmon P. Chase and Morrison Waite) were Chief Justices of that body for a total of twenty-three years. Like few other states, Ohio dominated the national
political life in the era that Mark Twain labeled "The Giled Age."

- Amos J. Loveday -

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