Resolved, That this Grand Lodge recommend to the subordinate Lodges within its jurisdiction, to make such appropriations of their funds for the same object, and to contribute individually as far as their pecuniary means will permit, and forward the moneys so raised, with the names of the contributors, to the Grand Secretary, to be paid by him, in addition to the moneys already raised by the subordinate Lodges for this purpose, to the Vice Regent aforesaid.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Grand Lodge that, after Mt. Vernon shall have been paid for, through the instrumentality aforesaid, the title of said property should be tendered to the government of the United States, on condition that said government shall appropriate the moneys, with interest, voluntarily surrendered to said government in its days of poverty and trial by General Washington, being his pay as Commander-in-Chief of the army of the Union during the war of the Revolution-said moneys, when so appropriated, to be held as a sacred fund to keep Mt. Vernon in perfect repair, under the direction of said government, and free to the visitation and inspection of all who may desire to renew their patriotism and love of country at the shrine of Washington.

The annual meeting of the Grand Lodge in January, 1859, was held in Grand Rapids and eighty-six lodges were represented. This was the largest representation in the history of the Grand Lodge up to that date, and had an inspiring effect upon all the officers and members.

Grand Master Fenton's address was a business document, setting forth his acts and the needs of the jurisdiction. He closed it with these words:

Brethren, we are assembled upon ground which a few years since had resounded only to the tread of the wild beast and the still wilder red man of the forest. We represent a youthful sister of our confederacy of States; youthful, yet growing with healthy strides, and fast maturing into the vigor and stability of manhood. The place where we stand, though a short time since unknown to civilization, boasts now of its Valley City, and of thousands of enterprising citizens of its lines of railroads of its vessels plowing the stormy waves of the great lakes and the busy hum of an industrious, enterprising and happy population surround us. These outward emblems are cheering to the patriotic mind, but we are admonished by the experience of past ages that this political organization may rise, prosper, expand, and again sink into decay and be forgotten. Not so with the moral temple at whose shrine we worship. Free Masonry has withstood the ravages of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance, and the devastation of armies. Its invaluable tenets are engrafted in the hearts of its devotees, and through a long succession of ages, amid the turmoils of war, in the days of dark ignorance, amid the storms of faction, the waves of passion, and the conflicts of error, it has stood forth, like the oasis of the desert, cheering on the Sons of Light to good deeds, and extending the principles of universal benevolence and charity.

As in the past we have been steadily progressing, so may our future course be onward, and upward, ever rising higher and higher in the scale of moral and intellectual improvement, until we find rest within the inner sanctuary. To this end may all our energies be devoted while here assembled, and may our work, when done be well done, adding strength and stability to the harmonious and beautiful proportions of that edifice contrived in wisdom.

As a variation from the usual practice, an eloquent address was also delivered by the educated and accomplished Deputy Grand Master, J. Adams Allen, M.D., which was received with much enthusiasm. We quote a few passages only:

You have heard, by the M. W. Grand Master's address, that peace dwells within our borders, and that prosperity sheds its bright influence around our mystic circles. Detraction and malignity have done their worst, and still our noble craft sails proudly on, unscathed by the storm, and freighted with high aspirations for the welfare and advancement of all the race of man. Wherever the whisper of human sorrow, or the wail of human suffering, is heard, there shall the Mason's ready sympathy be found upon their traces, until the last echo of the accents of human woe shall be stilled.

Masonry is not a tissue of idle forms or vain spectacles. The true Mason is not he who is one outwardly alone, but he who is clad in the inner spirit with true masonic virtue. I care not how deeply he may be versed in masonic lore, how elegantly, beautifully, and exactly he conducts the ancient work, or with what specious words of morality he clothes his conversation, there is that within which passeth show, but flows out to his fellowman in every act of his life, in every impulse of his heart, and throbs with his every pulse as he listens to the story of his brother man's grief, or looks upon noiseless scenes of suffering-mayhaps, of despair.

I have seen the Masonic spirit in those who have never worn the apron; I have seen it absent in those who have appareled themselves in trappings, the glory of which Solomon never dreamed.

Masonry is stationary-ever and ever the same.

Its landmarks are irremovable, but its effects upon man are ever progressive, and will continue to elevate him to higher and higher conditions of being. It is as the sun to the planitary system. The central luminary or great light is ever serene and changeless in the solemn depths of the heaven; but around it circle forever, in uniform, harmonious orbits, the planets in their order, and beneath its cheering beams the earth sends up the tender plant, the leafy shrub and lofty tree, and is thus prepared to be the fit habitation of man-still child of the sun, though ruler of sublunary things.

Within the walls of this Lodge room, and of all Lodge rooms, the voice of partisan strife cannot be heard; here the East and the West, the North and the South meet upon the level, act by the plumb, and part upon the square. Sectional prejudices and controversy fade away before the silent, but potential influences that fill our halls. With politics we have nothing to do, but with us, Mason may not lift up either voice or hand against Mason; neither under the influence of our principles can they learn war any more. The strife of sects or the clash of opposing creeds can find no admission or hearing between this East and this West; but around this our common altar we can lift up humble and devout adoration to that Divine Being whose existence we all recognize, and whose revealed will the principles and tenets of our order strictly enjoin us to obey.

Grand Lecturer Blanchard visited fifty-one lodges during the year and instructed the officers and members in the lectures and work, and planted, still firmer, the foundation of our present system. In reporting his work to Grand Lodge, he said:

I am well assured that the good seed sown in former days has not fallen on barren ground; as the inquiries for "more light," received from all quarters of the State, afford cheering evidence that the watchmen upon the walls of our Masonic Temples are not slumbering at their posts, but are faithfully engaged in acquiring and disseminating a knowledge of the GREAT WORK committed to their hands. It is indeed a great work—quite enough to occupy all the time, in this busy, changing world, that can be spared from the ordinary duties of life, and the fruits of this work are nowhere more manifest than within the bounds of this jurisdiction. Wherever a few of our fellow beings are congregated, who stand conspicuous for their talents and virtues, their learning and charity, there the Masonic Temple is found, and, although the voice of the SUPREME GRAND MASTER is no longer heard over the ruined mercy seat, the symbols of Masonry, illuminated by the lights at her altars, still remain to teach a Brother his duty to his God, his Neighbor, and Himself.

Finally, Brethren, it gives me pleasure to report, that I have observed a steady and progressive improvement in the work of our Lodges, and a gradual approximation to unity of action, in all the departments of the Craft. Much has been done; but from the frequent change of officers, and the distracting cares incident to the ordinary business of life, the attention of our Brethren to the duties of their Lodges is so frequently interrupted by other important pursuits, that much remains to be done before our Lodges can attain that elevated standard of perfection in Masonry which is essential to the development of those great principles which have preserved it amid the decay and ruin of all the substitutes that ever have been proposed for Ancient Free Masonry.

In order to reduce, if possible, the number of non-affiliates in the state, the Grand Lodge adopted a resolution requiring all the lodges to

collect annual dues from all voluntarily unaffiliated Master Masons residing within their jurisdictions, provided such persons did not pay dues elsewhere, and in case of refusal to pay, that the person so refusing be dealt with according to the by-laws of the lodge in whose jurisdiction they reside. This regulation was never enforced to any great extent and soon became a dead letter.

It was also ruled that a Master or Warden who permanently removed from the jurisdiction, might be granted a dimit by their lodge.

Brighton Lodge, No. 42, having failed to make returns or pay dues for two years, its charter was revoked and the books and property ordered to be turned over to the Grand Secretary.

It was also

Resolved, That each Chartered Lodge under this jurisdiction, not having a seal, be required to procure one within the next six months, for the use of the Lodge and its officers or committees, on all official communications.

Resolved, further, That it is the sense of this Grand Lodge that the M. W. G. M. should not communicate official information, in reply to letters from a Lodge or its officers, or committees, unless such letters are authenticated by the seal of the Lodge; and that the Grand Secretary cause notice of the passage of these resolutions to be sent to all of the Lodges in this jurisdiction.

The pay of the Grand Lecturer was fixed for the next year at the
same amount as last, and his services subject to the same control.
The following were elected and installed officers of the Grand
Lodge for the year 1859.

J. Adams ALLEN, M. D., of Kalamazoo, Grand Master.
Hon. WM. L. GREENLY, of Adrian, Deputy Grand Master.

H. C. HODGE, of St. Johns, Senior Grand Warden.

D. A. WRIGHT, of Austin, Junior Grand Warden.

Rev. ISRAEL COGSHALL, of Niles, Grand Chaplain.
JAMES FENTON, of Detroit, Grand Secretary.

W. H. MCOMBER, of Niles, Grand Treasurer.

STILLMAN BLANCHARD, of Tecumseh, Grand Vis. and Lecturer.
ELISHA LEACH, M. D., of Owosso, Senior Grand Deacon.

DAVID H. LORD, of Hillsdale, Junior Grand Deacon.

JOSEPH P. WHITING, of Detroit, Grand Marshal.

WARREN P. MILLS, of Grand Rapids, Grand Sword Bearer.

FREEMASONRY IN MICHIGAN.

F. DARROW, of Pontiac, Grand Pursuivant.

CHAS. D. HOWARD, of Detroit, Grand Steward and Tiler.

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On assuming the duties of his new office, Grand Master Allen said:

My Brothers:

In entering upon the duties of this high position, devolved upon me by your suffrages, I cannot forbear to express my unaffected distrust of my ability to fulfill successfully and satisfactorily its varied and important trusts. More especially is this the case, when I call to mind the distinguished Brothers who have, now for many years, occupied the chair of this Grand Lodge, with such signal honor to themselves, and advantage to its deliberations. I can scarcely hope to do more than equal them sometimes, by imitating them always. But in looking around me, and having in remembrance the dignity and decorum which have ever, even during the fervor of debate upon the most important questions, graced our assemblages, I am again encouraged by the knowledge that the Master will ever be met by forbearance, and sustained by high masonic courtesy. Relying upon this support, in return I can only pledge you the constant exercise of an earnest zeal to carry out, to their highest development, the great objects of our association, careful study of the principles upon which it is founded, and continuous attention to all the details of the office, whether during the Communication or recess of this Grand Body.

I tender you heartfelt thanks, my Brothers, for this renewed proof of your confidence and esteem; and now let us pass at once from words to action.

The year 1858 closed with one hundred and twelve active lodges on the Grand Lodge roll, with a membership of five thousand and fiftyeight. There were eight hundred and twenty-five initiated, and nine hundred and twenty-four raised and admitted. Two hundred and twenty were suspended, eighteen expelled, and thirty-three died during the year 1858.