Georgia Masonic Lodge
Masonic Biography and
Dictionary comprising The History of Ancient Masonry, Antiquity of Masonry,
Written and Unwritten Law, Derivation and Definition of Masonic Terms,
Biographies of Eminent Masons, Statistics, List of All Lodges in the United
States, Etc.
Compiled by Augustus Row, K. T.
Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co. 1868
Anti-Masonry - In 1826
a great cry was raised by the political tricksters of the country against
Freemasonry.
To insure success, the party
had recourse to every stratagem, and amongst the most popular was the story
hatched out of the so-called and supposed abduction of an individual named
Morgan, at Batavia, New York, in 1826, for exposing the secrets of the order.
This fellow, finding no doubt his enterprise a failure, secreted himself, and
circulated the story in order to meet a ready sale of his work, which was but a
republication of “Jachin and Boaz,” published in Albany, in 1790, from an
English work. The frenzy with which politicians hashed and rehashed this story,
obtained for them about 100,000 supporters in New York. In Pennsylvania, where
the Hon. Judge Giullis was arrested for complicity in the affair, the party
succeeded in dividing the vote. In Vermont, the party, fired with unceasing
efforts, succeeded for a time. But this was not to last. The party had grown
so rapidly, swollen so hugely with broken-down politicians, and presented such
an empty hollowness of principle, that it exploded with the contempt of all good
citizens. In Pennsylvania, the Legislature inaugurated a series of
persecutions, and the hero Thaddeus Stevens, Esq., of Lancaster, a rejected
applicant of Good Samaritan Lodge, Gettysburg, Pa., was not able to force
the secrets from the order. The principles of the order having become known and
found their way to the people, the sentiment was soon changed, and the
ill-shaped Anti-Masonic party, having no other aim than power and corruption,
came to an end. But the power behind the throne has again shown its
huge-footed plans and the resurrection of its skeleton is now proposed. Whether
the new effort will succeed, remains for the future to disclose, but it matters
little, as the truths of a genuine Christian system of charity and benevolence,
as produced by Freemasonry, are engrafted in the minds of the people, not to be
rooted out by persecution. (See U.S. “Anti-Masonic Convention.”)
Georgia – Freemasonry
was introduced into this state about 1730-1734. In 1735, the Grand Lodge of
England granted a Charter for a Lodge at Savannah. In December 16th,
1786, the Grand Lodge was organized.
Grand Lodge – The body
that has exclusive jurisdiction in a State or kingdom over the Subordinate
Lodges, and all Masons within its bounds. It empowers subordinate bodies to
practice all the rights of Masonry. Originally the order was not governed by
Grand Lodges, but the right existed inherently to act as individuals. However,
the ancient brethren met annually, to consult upon Masonry and select a Grand
Master. But as the order increased in power and numbers, it became necessary to
establish Grand Lodges, for the interest of the order. The first charter
granted was to St. Alban’s, for a General Assembly, and subsequently Prince
Edwin obtained a charter to assemble all Masons at York. It was thus the order
obtained and has ever since recognized the necessity of a Grand Lodge.
Grand Lodges and their
Jurisdiction – A Grand Lodge has jurisdiction over the territory of the
State in which it is organized, and no other Grand Body can exercise any
authority or charter Lodges therein. It is governed by the ancient usages and
landmarks of the order, and acknowledges no superior authority than these.
Jackson, James, Maj.-Gen.
– Born in Devonshire, England, 21st Sept. 1757, died at Washington,
D. C., 15th March, 1806. He came to America in 1772, and read law in
Savannah, Ga. In July, 1782, Gen. Wayne selected him to receive the keys of
Savannah from the British upon their evacuation. In 1778, he was appointed a
brig.-general of Georgia militia, and was wounded in the engagement of Ogeechee.
He was at the siege of Savannah in Oct. 1779, and at the battle of Blackwater in
1780. Gen. Andrew Pickens made him his brigade-major in 1781. He participated
in the siege of Augusta in June, 1781. He filled an important post in the
Southern revolutionary struggle. In 1778, he was elected Governor of Georgia,
but declined to serve. He was one of the first representatives of Georgia in
Congress after the organization of the Federal Government, and from 1792 to
1795, a member of U.S. Senate. About this time he was made a major-general. He
assisted in framing the Constitution of Georgia, and from 1798 to 1801, was
their Governor, when he was again chosen U. S. Senator. In 1785, in King
Solomon’s Lodge, at Savannah, which had commenced its work under an old oak-tree
in 1733, and belonged to the Modern, we find his first Masonic
Records. In July, 1785, he proposed that they form themselves into the
Ancients, which was done. In 1786, when the Independent Grand Lodge was
formed, he was elected Dep. G. Master, and the following year elected Grand
master, which he held until 1789.
Statistics –
Number of Lodges in the various States, from 1816. In 1816, many of the
Grand Lodges were not formed, and hence no returns.
Georgia – 1816, No. of Lodges
– 14; 1822, No. of Lodges – 20; 1859, No. of Lodges – 320; 1866, Members –
10,023 ( with returns from 162 out of 250 Lodges) and Initiated – 2,373.
United States Anti-Masonic Convention. –
This
convention assembled at Philadelphia, 11th September, 1830. It was
the first formidable attempt of a national combination in opposition to
Freemasonry. There were 96 members, representing Massachusetts, Connecticut,
New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Rhode Island, Ohio, New jersey, Michigan,
Maryland, and Delaware. At that time but few persons of eminence were among the
delegates, but several of them, attaching themselves to other “issues,” and
abandoning political anti-masonry, subsequently became known. Among them were
Francis Granger, Henry Dana Ward, Frederick Whittlesey, Wm. H. Seward, N. Y.,
and Pliny Merrick, Mass. The cement that bound such minds to men like David
Bernard, Moses Thatcher, Thaddeus Stevens, and Joseph Ritner, must have
possessed powerful magnetism. Francis Granger was made Prest., seconded by six
Vice-Presidents. A remarkable fact is, that no State west of Ohio or south of
Maryland had a delegate. Maine and New Hampshire refused the part assigned
them, and sent no delegate. Fourteen committees were appointed, and the
questions relative to Masonic rituals, history, and jurisprudence were divided
among them. Mr. Seward was to report resolutions expressive of the sentiments
of the Convention. A proposition to inquire into the pecuniary circumstances of
the widow and children of William Morgan was rejected, as “that was not the
purpose for which they had assembled.” Three gentlemen of North Carolina took
their seats as honorary members. The committee “on the effects of Masonic ties
and obligations on commerce and revenue of the U.S.,” were discharged
without a report. In the report of the influence of Masonry upon the public
press, it was reported that between 1826 and 1830 there had been 124 anti-masonic
papers established, to wit: Pennsylvania, 53; New York, 46; Connecticut, 2;
Rhode Island, 1; Massachusetts, 5; Vermont, 4; New Jersey, 2; Ohio, 9; Indiana,
1; Michigan,1. A number of these journals simply kept quiet to see what the
mountain would bring forth, and when they found it to be a mouse, tacked about
and retired from the sinking anti-masonic vessel. The summing up of these
profound deliberations were: 1. That the expositions of Masonic secrets are
true. 2. That Freemasonry originated early in the 18th century. 3.
That its oath are not obligatory. 4. That adhering Masons are disqualified
for public officers. 5. Masonry and its principles are inconsistent with the
genius of American Institutions. 6. That Masonry should be extinguished at the
ballot –box. 7. That the public Press are evil. The Convention adjourned to
meet at Baltimore, Sept. 26th, 1831, to nominate candidates for
President and Vice-President. The Convention nominated Wm. Wirt and Amos
Ellmaker for their standard-bearers. These renowned champions went forth to
battle, and brought as trophies from the field the electoral vote of Vermont.
But the dog was now dead; and the leading fanatical spirits discarded it, as it
ever was a worthless hotchpotch of the villainies of broken-down political
tricksters.
American Military Lodges.
- The following are the military lodges that were instituted in the American
army during the revolutionary war.
- St. John’s Regimental Lodge,
in the U. S. Battalion, warranted by the G. L. of New York, Feb. 24th,
1775.
- American Union Lodge,
in the Connecticut Line, warranted by the G. L. of Massachusetts, Feb. 15th,
1776.
- No. 19, in the 1st
Regiment, Pennsylvania Artillery, warranted by G. L.
of Pennsylvania, May 18th, 1779.
- Washington Lodge,
in the Massachusetts Line, warranted by the Massachusetts G. L., Oct. 6th,
1779.
- No. 20, in
North Carolina Regiment, warranted by the G. L. of Pennsylvania, _____1779.
- No. 27, in
Maryland Line, warranted by G.,L. of Pennsylvania, April 4th, 1780.
- No. 28, in
Pennsylvania Line, warranted by G. L. of Pennsylvania, _______1780.
- No. 29, in
Pennsylvania Line, warranted by G. L. of Pennsylvania, July 27th,
1780.
- No. 31, in
New Jersey Line, warranted by G. L. of Pennsylvania, March 26th,
1781.
- No. 36, in
New Jersey Line, warranted by G. L. of Pennsylvania, Sept. 2d, 1782.
LIST OF LODGES.
(The numbers below that are blank did not have a lodge assigned to them, it was
just easier to let it auto number itself instead of leaving these numbers out as
they are in the book. This is a list of Lodges as of 1859, not 1868 the date of
publication of the book)
GEORGIA
Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Georgia
- Solomon’s, Savannah
- Social, Augusta
- Stith, Sparta
-
- Rising Sun
- Macon, Macon
- Golden Fleece, Covington
- Columbia, Columbia
- Orion, Bainbridge
- Mt. Hope, Hawkinsville
- Olive, Talbolton
- Franklin, Warrenton
- Cross, Lumpkin
- Americus, Americus
- Marion, Tazewell
- Zerubbabel, Savannah
- Hamilton, Hamilton
- Darley, Ft. Gaines
- Monroe, Forsythe
- Washington, Cuthbert
- Rising Sun, Reidsville
- Hiram, Florence
- Mt. Vernon, Athens
- Lafayette, Washington
- General Warren, Monroe.
Albany, Albany
- Philomathean, Elberton
- Meridian Sun, Griffin
- Morning Star, Thomaston
- Union, La Grange
- Madison, Madison
- Amity, Walkinsville
- Montgomery, Zebulon
- St. Patrick, Danville
- Keneson, Marietta
- San Marino, Greensboro’
- Houston, Perry
- Unity, Jefferson
- Fraternal, McDonough
- Blue Mountain, Dahlonega
- Newborn, Newborn
- Ebenezer, Ebenezer
- Pythagoras, Decolin
- Concord, Concord
- West Point, West Point
- Lafayette, Cumming
- St. John’s, Jackson
- Washington, Pondtown
- Oglethorpe, Columbus
- Jackson, Hickory Grove
- St. Thomas, Thomsonville
- Jasper, Monticello
- Hiram, Danbury
- St. Patrick, Louisville
- Mt. Moriah, Fayetteville
- Clinton, Savannah
- Knoxville, Knoxville
- Burns, Lamir
- Greeneville, Greeneville
- Hamilton, Soudersville
- Atlanta, Atlanta
- Coweta, Newnan
- Chatahootche, Franklin
- Randolph, Pumpkintown
- Georgetown, Georgetown
- Mt. Moriah, Woodstock
- Traveler’s Rest, Traveler’s Rest
- Coosa, Rome
- Dawson, Crawfordville
- Dawson, Social Circle
- Carroll, Carrollton
- Erin, Erin
- Oxford, Oxford
- Villa Rica, Villa Rica
- Aleova, Newton Factory
- Unity, Palmetto
- Laurens, Dublin
- Campbellton, Campbellton
- Canton, Canton
- Lincoln, Lincolnton
- Tien, Buena Vista
- Weston, Weston x Roads
- Oak Bowery, Ellijay
- W. P. Arnold, Wrightsboro’
- Zaradotha, Lexington
- Lithoma, Lithoma
- Daniel, Island Creek
- Magnolia, Blakely
- Jonesboro’, Jonesboro’
- Pinta, Barnesville
- Eldorado, Plattsburg
- Ringold, Colbert’s Mills
- Western, La Fayette
- Carten, Pleasant Hill
- St. Mark’s, Gold Hill
- New River, Corinth
- Eureka, Starkville
- Liberty Union, Taylor’s Creek
- Euharlee, Van Wert
- Houston, Houston
- Siloam, Snapping Shoals
- St. John, Raysville
- Cartersville, Cartersville
- Rose, Whitesville
- Pleasant Ridge, Pleasant Ridge
- Montpelier, Montpelier
- Dalton, Dalton
- Quitman, Ringgold
- Thurmond, Hillsboro’
- Chapel, Lumpkin
- Summerville, Summerville
- Ft. Valley, Ft. Valley
- Stone Mountain, Stone Mountain
- Walton, Shady Dale
- Tallapoosa, Buchanan
- Allegheny, Blairsville
- Troup Factory, Troup Factory
- Wornam, Clinton
- Farmer’s, Vienna
- Kinbrough, Columbus
- McIntosh, Indian Springs
- Mackey, Cove Spring
- Caedonia, Cedartown
- Williamsville, Williamsville
- Baker, White Plains
- Furlon, Bobtsville
- Jabon Burr, Mountville
- St. Mary’s, St. Mary’s
- Ancient York, Sandy Ridge
- Union, Quito
- Fickling, Butler
- Salem, Cudoden
- Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville
- Long Cone, Long Cone
- Mt. Hickory, Easterling
-
- Fergus, Buncombe
- Cassville, Cassville
- Malloryville, Malloryville
- Howard, Maxey’s Depot
- King David, King’s Chapel
- Claremont, Liberty Hill
- Charity, Petersburgh
- Haralson, Haralson
- South Western, Oglethorpe
- Ellerslie, Ellerslie
- Cohultah, Spring Place
- Kirlin, Mulberry Grove
- Sulphur Springs, White Sulphur Springs
- Phi Delta, Phi Delta
- Woodbury, Woodbury
- Carmel, Irwington
- Wellington, Wellington
- Sharon Grove, White Water
- Springville, Powder Springs
- Otheologa, Calhoun
- Chandler, Jamestown
- Harmony, McLendon’s Store
- Oakland, Ferris Bridge
- Irving, Chickasawahatchee
- Bowenville, Bowenville
- Harmony, Appling
- Tallulah, Clarksville
- Joppa, Pt. Peter
- Star in the East, Millhaven
- Triggs, Marion
- Rosswell, Rosswell
- Webbs’, Augusta
- Floyd Springs
- Adairsville, Adairsville
- Mt. Ebal, Fayettsville
- Emory, St. Cloud
- Philadelphus, Penfield
- Ocopilco, Ocopilco
- Patrick Henry, Drayton
- Holt, Quebec
- Zabud, New-market
- Acworth, Acworth
- Pine Grove, Pine Grove
-
- Trenton, Trenton
- Fairburn, Fairburn
- Milford, Milford
- Dallas, Dallas
- High Falls, Cross Ridge
- St. John Baptist, Troupville
- Cool Spring, Cool Springs
- Carnersville, Carnersville
- Centre, Union
- Marshal, Preston
- Herman, Hartwell
- Baker, Newton
- Rockwell, Mulberry
- Rehoboth, Nockway
- Coffee, Jacksonville
- Worth, Isabella
- Holmesville, Holmesville
- Trader’s Hill, Trader’s Hill
- Wells, Calaparchee
- Milwood, Milwood
- Lumber City, Lumber City
- Eastern Light, Copeland
- Ococee, Morganton
- Tunnel Hill, Tunnel Hill
- Ashler, Concord
- Miller, Thomson
- Hickory Flat, Hickory Flat
- Bowden, Bowden
- Armonia, Duncansville
- Hudson, Glades x Road
- Alopaha, Troublesome
- Brookline, Brookline
- Butler, Alopaha
- Irwin, Irwinville
- Ogechee, Ogechee
- Ocean, Brunswick
- Goulding, Dublin
- Fulton, Atlanta
- Waresborough, Waresborough
- Halt, Colginth
- Gainesville, Gainesville
- Picken’s Star, Jasper
- Sonora, Sonora
- Etowah, Dawsonville
- Smith, Red Hill
- Magnolia, Magnolia
- Attapulgus, Attapulgus
- Ft. Early, Warwick
- Altamaha, Johnson
- Yellow River, Gwinnett
- Schley, Dawson
- Mineral Spring, Plains of Dura
LIST OF GRAND CHAPTERS
GEORGIA
Organized Feb 23d. 1821, Louisville and Augusta represented;
Subsequently approval and vote of officers forwarded by Chapters at Lexington,
Eastonton and Milledgeville – files in my possession imperfect.
Grand High Priests –
1822, Gov. William Schley, Louisville (died Nov. 20th, 1858)
1848, Wm. T. Gould, Augusta
1854-9, Philip T. Schley, Savannah
Grand Secretaries –
1823, Daniel Hook, Louisville
1848, W. H. Kitchen, Augusta
1854 to 1860, Benjamin B. Russell, Augusta
Subordinates –
No.
1 – Athens
2 - Augusta
3 - Savannah
4 – Macon
5 – Forsyth
6 – Milledgeville
7 - Columbus
8 - Talbolton
9 – Washington
10 – Griffin
11 – LaGrange
12 – Ft. Gaines
13 – Marietta
14 – Newbern
15 – Albany
16 – Atlanta
17 – Lumpkin
18 – Fort Valley
20 – Eatonton
21 – Warrenton
22 – Carrollton
23 - Ellaville
24 – Dalton
25 – Elberton
26 – Rome
27 – Greensboro
28 – McDonough
30 – Hamilton
31 – Cuthbert
32 – Lithonia
33 – Sandersville
34 – Newnan
35 – Zebulon; Cartersville
37 – Fayetteville
38 – Franklin
39 – Lawrenceville
40 – Monroe
41 – Cedar Town
42 – Americus
43 – Covington
44 – Thomasville
45 – Blakely
SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS
Organized under
Authority of the Grand Encampment of the U.S., or recognized by it, since its
formation, on first day of June 1816.
GEORGIA
Georgia, at Augusta, May 5th, 1823
St.
Omer at Macon, 26th July, and September, 1848.
St.
Aldemar, at Columbus, December, 1857; Jan. 24th, 1860.
Comy. Coeur de Lion, at Atlanta, May 14th, 1859; September 17th,
1859.
Grand Encampment formed, April 25th, 1860.
A big thanks goes out to
Linda
Blum-Barton ←
for submitting this information!
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Monday, October 10, 2005
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