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The National Congress of Symbolic Free and Accepted Masons of the United States of North America assembled in the lodge room of North Star Lodge No. 1, F. and A.M., at 9 o'clock a.m., August 21, 1893, in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, where the following proceedings were had, viz:

Grand Master Thomas H. Smith, of Illinois called the Congress to order, stated its object and read the annexed

PROGRAMME.

ASSEMBLY CALLED TO ORDER. Music Masonic Quartette Prayer Rev. J. F. Thomas Welcome Address Grand Master T. H. Smith Response Bro. Wm. M. McDonald ORGANIZATION—AFTERNOON SESSION. TOPICS PRESENTED FOR DISCUSSION. Alabama Arkansas Prerogatives of Grand Masters California Success of the Negro by being a Mason Bro. Talley (Prerogatives of Grand Masters Florida Petition and Jurisdiction of Candidates Constitutional Landmarks of the Order Delaware Legality of Negro Masonry Indiana Illinois Uniformity of Work Missouri Masonic Oration M. W. Bro. Pelham AUGUST 22. Maryland Rejected Candidates Mississippi National Grand Lodge New York Masonic Relief Ohio Uniformity of Work and Perpetual Jurisdiction Pennsylvania Texas Legality of Negro Masonry

The Congress was opened with a song, Prof. J. C. Corbin presiding at the organ, and prayer by Grand Master S. E. Young, of Maryland. Grand Master Thomas H. Smith, of Illinois, was elected temporary Chairman, Grand Master W. S. Thompson, of Tennessee, Vice Chairman, and Grand Secretary J. C. Corbin, of Arkansas, Secretary. The Chairman elect was escorted to his seat by Grand Masters Mims, of Alabama, and Postles, of Delaware. The Chairman delivered the annexed

WELCOME ADDRESS:

Worshipful Grand Masters, Past Grand Masters and representatives of all Masonic jurisdictions, wheresoever dispersed around the globe:

The welcome given by Masons to Masons scarcely needs the aid of the words to express its warmth, and it has not its better qualities in the more formal requirements of our order. The mystic tie that binds us together is formed not alone of obligations, but of duty. He who rightly cultivates Masonic precepts will find that what he first learns as duties, he afterwards finds as privileges. That what Masonry teaches should be done, grows almost unconsciously. Perhaps to him unto what he would wish to do. Duty is the bud and brotherly love is the ripened fruit affection is the rose and Masonic obligations the soil in which it has taken root. So the welcome that I as Grand Master for the State of Illinois and Jurisdiction extend to you is given you not because Masonry requires it. However we feel that Masonry alone asks it, because the heart of the Master Masons of this Jurisdiction demand that it be given.

To you as grand representatives, the jurisdiction of Illinois gives greeting unto you as individuals. This welcome comes sincerely and warm from the cords of the hearts of every Master Mason in this jurisdiction. The assembly that begins its session to-day is segment of the grand circle of Masonry which girdles the globe. It is a division of the Grand Army continually increasing and ever advancing whose march begun in Roman-etiquette has brought the banner of our order up almost to the gates of the twentieth century. The circle must not be broken in our States. Nor should our division falter on the march or fall out of the ranks. Your duty is to look after this and to care for the mental interests of the fraternity. Illinois has no fear, but that this task will be well done.

We trust that we may do our part as well, for we have undertaken to see that your stay in our midst is made long pleasant and that the reputation which our beautiful city enjoys for hospitality shall not be lessened by the treatment you receive.

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Once again brethren as citizens and Masons, we bid you welcome and when another year has spanned its way through space, may we again receive you to meet in the beautiful temple that loving hearts and generous hands may erect for a permanent abode of Masonic bodies in this city. Yours fraternally, T. H. SMITH, Grand Master.

Grand Master E. A. Williams, of Louisiana, made an appropriate response.

On motion, the following brethren were appointed a committee upon credentials, viz:

W. L. Darrow, of Illinois; P. F. Hill, of Tennessee; Wm. T. Boyd, of Ohio; R. R. Mims, of Alabama; Thos. E. Postles, of Delaware.

Whereupon the Congress took a RECESS.

After recess the committee upon credentials presented the annexed list of delegates present, viz:

Alabama—R. R. Mims, W. G. Alexander; Arkansas—M. A. Clark, J. C. Corbin; California—W. W. Tally; Connecticut J. O. Cross; Delaware—F. Postles, S. V. B. Carty; Illinois—T. H. Smith, W. H. S. Seals, R. E. Moore, R. M. Hancock, R. R. Mitchell, W. Bates; Indiana—R. T. Taylor, W. F. Floyd; Kentucky—E. W. S. Hammond, Chas. Steele, Wm. H. Steward; Louisiana—E. A. Williams, J. Madison Vance; Maryland—S. E. Young; Mississippi—R. D. Little—john; New Jersey—W. T. Powell; New York —Albert Wilson; Ohio—W. T. Boyd, S. W. Clark, N. N. Newman, J. F. Gibson, W. H. Scott; Rhode Island—F. O. Cross; Tennessee—W. S. Thompson, P. F. Hill, G. W. Daniel, C. C. Russell, H. N. Willis, S. H. Sumner; Texas—S. J. Sutton, J. H. Adams; Virginia—Dr. H. L. Harris.

The report was received and adopted.

On motion the following committee on permanent organization was appointed, viz:

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R. R. Mims, of Alabama; S. V. B. Carty, of Delaware; W. S. Thompson, of Tennessee; M. A. Clark, of Arkansas; E. A. Williams, of Louisiana; F. O. Cross, of Connecticut; R. D. Littlejohn, of Mississippi.

The committee on permanent organization presented the annexed report, viz: For Chairman—P. G. M. W. T. Boyd, of Ohio. For Vice-Chairman—G. M. R. R. Mims, of Alabama. For Secretary—P. G. M. J. C. Corbin, of Arkansas. For Assistant Secretary—J. Madison Vance, of Louisiana. For Assistant Secretary—R. C. Waring, of Illinois. For Assistant Secretary—H. N. Willis, of Tennessee. For Marshal—W. L. Darrow, of Illinois.

The report was adopted and the officers duly escorted to their stations.

The chairman, P. G. M. Boyd, on taking the chair, made an appropriate address.

A vote of thanks was, on motion, extended to the retiring chairman, Bro. T. H. Smith.

On motion the time of sessions was fixed at from 9 to 2 o'clock, and the session of to-day be extended until 3 o'clock. All past grand elected officers present were added to the list of delegates.

Capt. R. R. Mims, Grand Master of Alabama, read a paper upon the qualifications of candidates, as follows:

ADDRESS.

Mr. Chairman and Brethren of this August Body, in Grand Convention assembled:

Painfully conscious as I am of my inability to properly discharge the task assigned, I yet could not decline the invitation to be present and say a few words upon this occasion, because I feel it in my inmost heart that it is the most impressive and beneficent event that can approach our people. We have assembled here as Free and Accepted Masons from every part of this great republic and from foreign parts as representatives of many thousands of our fellow Masons to deliberate, not to make laws, but to suggest plans whereby we may better understand each other and become better acquainted. My 0007 7brethren, your presence here to-day, and in such a number in this magnificent assemblage of Free and Accepted Masons before and around me is evidence of the fact that Masony has kept pace with the advance of the age, and grown in strength, power, number and influence with the growth of our republic, doing a great work morally, educationally and religiously. Glance back and compare the condition of things of the past period with the condition of things of the present. We can see what progress has been made by us as a people, and by our noble and grand institution, with all the obstacles, drawbacks and disadvantages that we are placed under and we continue to go onward and upward. Then, let us have a better understanding in the Masonic fraternity, going on and doing what good we can intellectually. We are here to-day celebrating an event that has never taken place in America before—the discovery of this free and broad land in name. The American nation has made more rapid strides in art and everything conceivable except justice to the colored man who composes a part of this great nation. Brethren we are here to discuss many important subjects pertaining to the order, trusting when we depart we may be wiser and better informed as to our several duties.

QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES.

It is a very important question and should be handled as such. I am of the opinion that it cannot be too strongly impressed upon the minds of all that Masonry is not a reformatory society. No one ought to be admitted who is unqualified, or who possesses negative qualifications only, but his standing and good qualities ought to be such as would add to the moral character of out institution, instead of being a lifeless and therefore heavy load to carry. No candidate ought to receive a clear ballot in the hope that his admittance to the order would be the means of leading him into the ways of morality and virtue when his previous life and character have given evidence that his walk in life has not been in accordance with the tenets and profession of the cardinal virtues. To be very frank about it, we are not careful enough in scanning the character and probable natures of those who offer themselves for the mystery of the order. None should be admitted who traffic in whisky, gamble or live dishonorable lives unmarried. To take such material in for the sake of money or personal friendship is very dangerous, and will soon weaken any lodge or lodges.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES.

None should be admitted into the mysteries of Freemasonry who are uneducated. None should be accepted for their money alone, but for their internal qualifications; their moral and educational qualities. Education is power; it moves the great levers of nations; it makes men better citizens, better mechanics and better Masons; it 0008 8prepares one for the race of life. An uneducated man is unfit for the mysteries of Masonry and is completely out of place in a Masonic lodge. We will soon pass over the great obstacle (illiteracy).

As soon as the old pass away the young and vigorous, fully prepared in mind and heart for the noble work of the fraternity, are appearing to take their places on the stage of action, and are pressing onward with augmented force and unabated zeal to promote the grand design laid down on the trestle board of our time-honored and beloved institution.

PREROGATIVES OF GRAND MASTERS.

Grand Masters are endowed with exclusive privileges and rights, but those rights are bound by four lines: First, the landmarks; Second, the code or constitution of their respective jurisdictions; Third, by justice and their better judgment; and Fourth, by impartiality. To cross either of these lines would be taking a dangerous step, but some seem to have greater privileges than others, though said lines give a Grand Master unlimited power. As we have some very bright and shining lights, Masonically speaking, here assembled to-day, who may be more competent to give light and better opinions upon the prerogatives of Grand Masters than are here presented.

Now, my brethren, in closing, let me remind you of the importance which this grand assemblage is to the Masonic order, and let me admonish you not to forget or neglet it, but support and cherish it, and foster it as it deserves. Yours fraternally. R. R. Mims.

The paper was discussed by P. G. M. Darrow, of Illinois; Grand Master Williams, of Louisiana; Bro. Sutton, of Texas; Littlejohn, of Mississippi; Dr. Harris, of Virginia; Hill, of Tennessee; and Powell, of New Jersey.

At 3 o'clock p. m. the convention took recess until 9 o'clock a. m. next day.

Tuesday, August 22, 1893.

The National Masonic Congress assemble and proceeded to business, Past Grand Master W. Theodore Boyd, of Ohio, presiding. The proceedings were opened with a song, Bro. S. J. Sutton, of Texas, presiding at the Organ. Prayer was offered by Past Grand Master G. W. Daniels, of Tennessee. The assembly was addressed by Past Grand Master J. C. Corbin, 0009 9of Arkansas, on the annexed topics, viz: “Proper Order of Business in Grand Lodges;“ “Proper Preparation of Minutes;“ and “Benefit Associations.” These topics were discussed by Bros. Mims, Smith, Thompson, Moore, Sutton, Rev. C. S. Smith and others. The next subject discussed, “What is the Status of Rejected Candidates?” was introduced by Grand Master Young, of Maryland, and discussed by Bros. Mims, Daniel, Clark, Talley, Williams, Littlejohn, Matthews and Boyd. Bro. Littlejohn, of Mississippi, offered a resolution in reference to the National Grand Lodge. The resolution was discussed at length by Hill, Corbin, Vance, Dr. Harris, and others, when a motion prevailed that the subject matter of the same be referred to a committee of five. The following were appointed, viz: Littlejohn, of Mississippi; Clark of Arkansas; Sutton of Texas; Hill of Tennessee, and Williams, of Louisiana. The question of “Masonic Relief,” as proposed by Bro. Wilson, of New York, was then considered. It was discussed by Wilson, of New York; Thompson, of Tennessee; Vance, of Louisiana; and Hammond, of Kentucky. The question of “Uniformity of Work” was presented by Bro. W. H. S. Seals, of Illinois, and discussed by Grand Master Floyd, of Indiana; Seal, of Illinois; Sutton, of Texas; Williams, of Louisiana, and others. The committee on National Compact presented the annexed report:

Whereas, There are Masons in some parts of this country still claiming that they hold authority emanating from a National Compact Grand Lodge and have invaded the jurisdictions of a few Grand Lodges by going into them and conferring degrees, setting up lodges, etc. It appears, too, that they aim to flourish their principles among the most illiterate and in the rural districts it appears for pecuniary purposes, which is in direct opposition to the tenets of our profession as Masons, and is calculated some day, if countenanced, to bring reproach upon the beautiful system of morals, which should be a Masonic guide for every brother; so be it

Resolved; That we called upon our brotherhood throughout the land to no attention to men claiming to be Masons hailing from a National Grand Lodges; and further, we call upon all regular Masons 0010 10to use every means to use every means to crush out such idea as the existence of a National Grand Lodge. Respectfully, R. D. LITTLEJOHN, Chairman, of Mississippi, E. A. WILLIAMS, of Louisiana, S. J. SUTTON, of Texas, P. F. HILL, of Tennessee, M. A. CLARK, of Arkansas, Committee.

The reports were adopted.

A recess was taken until 10 o'clock next day.

CHICAGO, AUGUST 24, 1893.

The Masonic Congress reassembled in North Star Hall, Grand Master Mims, of Alabama, presiding. The following proceedings were had, viz: Devotional exercises, song and prayer, by Rev. W. G. Alexander, Grand Secretary, of Alabama. On motion of Grand Master Daniel, the paper read by Grand Master Mims was received and ordered to be published. Grand Master E. A. Williams read the annexed paper upon

THE PREROGATIVES OF GRAND MASTERS.

Gentlemen and Fraters:

In presenting you this paper, I feel assured that you will at once discover that the task is an onerous one, one whose pathway is filled with many unsurmountable opinions pro and con. In the very outset, we want it distinctly understood that so far as the omnipotent prerogatives of Grand Master are concerned, we oppose them, but for the benefit of the craft and from tradition, we favor the ultraist powers that can be conferred; some good frater will probably think our ideas two-fold—to a certain extent they are. We desire to examine some of the authorities, with our comments thereon.

In the first place, Webster's definition of the word, prerogative, is “an official hereditary right, which may be asserted without question, and for the exercise of which there is no responsibility, or accountability as to fact and manner of exercise.” Thus you see, the Grand Masters prerogative, according to one of the highest authorities of the English language, is omnipotent, and can be tyrannical without question. Whether these powers are too great to be conferred upon a Grand Master in modern times, or whether the various innovations in ancient Masonry for its good, in the age of moderation and enlightenment, are too great, we will discuss further on.

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Mackay says in his Encyclopedia of Masonry, “The Grand Master is the presiding officer of the symbolic degrees. He presides, of course, over the Grand Lodge (by right of his office), and has the right, not only to be present, but also preside in every lodge. He has the right of visiting the lodges in person, and inspecting their books and mode of work as often as he pleases; or if unable to do so, he may depute his grand officer to act for him.” You will readily observe from the above, that we are discussing the Grand Master of Masons, not the Grand Master of any particular lodge. We find no such officer in landmarks or the lexicon.

By a perusal of the unwritten laws of Masonry, we find landmark fourth—“The government of the fraternity by a presiding officer called Grand Master, who is elected from the body of the craft.” Not from the Grand Lodge officers and members, as is often the case now imposed upon the craft by constitutions of Grand Lodges. We have ever held that the only thing Grand Lodges can do, is to incorporate the powers and duties of the Grand Masters into their laws of constitution; when they go beyond that, it is clear to our mind that they make an innovation to landmark fourth. We read again from the same landmark fourth:

“Many persons ignorantly suppose that the election of the Grand Master is held in consequence of a law or regulation of the Grand Lodge. Such, however, is not the case. The office is indebted for its existence to a landmark of the order. Grand Masters are to be found in the records of the institution long before Grand Lodges were established; if the present system of legislative government by Grand Lodges were to be abolished, a Grand Master would still be necessary.”— Mackay.

Thus far you have seen that the prerogatives of the Grand Masters are inherent with the order, that is, if the landmarks count for anything, I think from our obligations as the Worshipful Master of a lodge. “We admit it is not in the power of any body of men or Masons to make innovations on the landmarks of Masonry.” But under the heads, landmarks 6, 7 and 8, will be found the indispensable prerogative, viz: that of granting dispensations and making Masons at sight. Each Grand Master within my hearing will readily agree with me that the prerogative of dispensations is indispensable. The prerogative to make Masons at sight is also indispensable, though abused by some Grand Masters. Let me ask, how could we use the great prerogative of granting dispensations to create and establish new lodges, if we could not make the men at sight? I mean by having the necessary six Master Masons present. Some Grand Masters claim the exclusive prerogative of being single and alone, but from a common-sense view of the matter, I dissent from such views and opinions. One of the old-timers insists that Solomon made Masons at sight; that we are prepared to admit; we will admit however, 0012 12that fifteen workingmen decided they would work no longer, and would compel the extraordinary use of the one man's prerogative. Twelve of them, however, recanted; three attempted to execute their determination, but they were told to “wait the coming of the Grand Council at Jerusalem.” Thus we see the one-man idea of making Masons at sight in ancient Masonry rebuked. But permit me to go farther. What lesson do we learn from ancient Masonic tradition? Why, that even Solomon, in all his wisdom, when he learned that one had been slain for his integrity, he assembled the craft and gave a “substitute for that which was lost.” If it was in the power of a Grand Master to make a Mason at sight, what would be the use of Grand and Subordinate Lodges? In these modern times of intelligence and Masonic innovation, the time is past for erroneous construction of a logical law and prerogative. We are bound to admit that it is absolutely necessary that a Grand Master be clothed with all the prerogatives as enumerated by Mackay in his Masonic Encyclopedia. Let me ask, if some grand head was not clothed with all these powers how would the craft be governed with so much regularity? Some will say that the constitutions and laws of the Grand Lodges are sufficient. We answer, not a bit of it! It is not the use of the great prerogative that any Mason should object to, but it is its abuse in the hands of the Grand Masters, who should not have been thus exalted. When a Grand Master abuses his prerogative given him by the landmarks of the order, he places himself in the strange attitude of making more innovations in the body of Masonry, than those who adhere to well-established laws and precepts, believing in the truth of our old-time lectures, that Masonry is a progressive science, that its laws and edicts and rulings of Grand Masters must be in harmony with enlightened reason, and adverse to anything approximating intolerance. That should be the result of progressive reasoning from age to age, and while new beauties and holier conceptions of its divine truths are ceaseless in their evolutions, the same ancient principles that our three ancient Grand Masters enumerated from its early dawn, remain the same, and are unchangeable. Let us then, as Grand Masters, feel that as we “judge, so shall we be judged, and as we mete to others, so shall it be meted to us again,” and that “blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Let us as Grand Masters, in using these great prerogatives, mantle the faults of those under our care with charity; extend to them the true tenets of brotherly love, relief and truth. The craft will then in our jurisdiction, be united in promoting each other's happiness and prosperity.

We feel that in presenting this paper, we have only uttered the thoughts and sayings which will redound to our honor and general good of the craft. The principles we have set forth as the prerogatives of Grand Master, are, to our conception undeniably right, and if all would act in accord with them, short would be the period ere the terms of amity and concord would be proclaimed with one universal 0013 13loud acclaim. Let us then, so far as lies in us, as Grand Masters, proclaim and act upon them as prerogatives, not only of right, but of reason, feeling that, while they are crowning honor of our institution, they are, and shall be the governing and controlling prerogatives of Grand Masters for the good of all. Thanking you kindly for the manifest attention paid me, I am, Fraternally, E. A. Williams, Grand Master of Louisiana.

The paper was received and discussed at length by Bro. Hill, of Tennessee; Clark, of Arkansas; Floyd, of Indiana, and others. There was a substantial concurrence in the views expressed by the writer. Bro. H. L. Harris, of Virginia, presented the annexed resolution which was received.

Whereas, The system of our organization makes it imperative that there should be no countenance or encouragement given to anything that savors of the idea of a National Grand Lodge or organization, which shall exercise a supervisory influence over the Grand Lodges of this country; yet it is decidedly important and very necessary that there should be a more thorough understanding and acquaintance between our craftsmen in different sections of our common country; therefore be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of this assembly that this end can be best attained through the medium of a system that will lead to a dissemination of information as to the doings of the craft in the several States to the craft generally.

Be it resolved further, That with this end in view we are of opinion that there should be a good Masonic journal published in the interest of our craft, which should be a medium of communication between the Masonic craft.

Resolved further, That we will advise craftsmen in our several States to subscribe to and support such a journal when it shall have been started by any worthy brother or brothers of our craft; and to this end we advise some brother to undertake the work of such a publication, pledging him our individual support, and assuring him of such assistance as we may be able to command in our several jurisdictions.

It was moved that each represented jurisdiction pay over two dollars to the Secretary and that jurisdiction not represented have the minutes by paying the same.

The following resolution, offered by Bro. J. Madison Vance, of Louisiana, was adopted, viz:

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Resolved, That we, the assembled Grand Masters and delegates of the Grand Masonic Congress convened in the City of Chicago on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd days of August, A. D. 1893, take this medium to express to the Masonic fraternity, jurisdiction of Illinois, and the citizens of Chicago generally, our heartfelt, appreciative and most sincere thanks for the very cordial and hospitable treatment accorded to this Grand Congress of Colored Masons of America.

It was ordered that 1,000 copies of the minutes be published and distributed pro rata.

The following Grand Lodges paid in their pro rata, viz: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illionis, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Maryland, New York, Tennessee and Virginia.

It was ordered that due mention of the reception tendered to the visitors by the fraternity of Chicago be made in the published minutes. The minutes were read and approved. A vote of thanks to the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and other officers was adopted, and the Congress adjourned sine die. Wm. T. Boyd, President, J. C. Corbin, Secretary.

ADDENDUM.—THE RECEPTION.

A grand reception to the visiting brethren took place at Lincoln Hall on the evening of August 22nd, under the auspices of the local lodges. Addresses were made by Bros. Smith, of Illinois; Littlejohn, of Mississippi; Corbin, of Arkansas; Williams, of Louisiana; and others. A poetical address to the craft was beautifully read by Miss V. Winslow. A fine orchestra discoursed beautiful music, and the supply of refreshments was most liberal. A large audience of the elite of Chicago graced the occasion by their presence.