American Union Lodge No. 1 - Onondaga and Oswego Masonic ...

country, but in a peculiar manner affects our Society by separating us from the Grand Mother Lodge in Europe, by disturbing our
connection with each other, impeding the progress and preventing the perfection of Masonry in America.
We deplore the miseries of our countrymen, and particularly lament the distresses which many of our poor brethren must suffer, as
well from the want of temporal relief as for want of a source of light to govern their pursuits and illuminate the path of happiness. And
we ardently desire to restore, i!' possible, that fountain of charity from which to the unspeakable benefit of mankind flows
benevolence and love. Considering with anxiety these disputes, and the many irregularities and improprieties committed by weak or
wicked brethren, which too manifestly show the present dissipated and almost abandoned condition of our Lodges in general, as
well as the relaxation of virtue amongst individuals.
We think it our duty. Right Worshipful Brothers and seniors in the Craft, to solicit your immediate interposition to save us from the
impending dangers of schisms and apostacy. To obtain security from those fatal evils, with affectionate humility, we beg leave to
recommend, the adopting and pursuing the most necessary measures for establishing one Grand Lodge in America, to preside over
and govern all other Lodges of whatsoever degree or denomination, licensed or to be licensed, upon the Continent; that the ancient
principles and discipline of Masonry being restored, we may mutually and universally enjoy the advantages arising from frequent
communion and social intercourse. To accomplish this beneficial and essential work, permit us to propose that you, the Right
Worshipful Grand Masters, or a majority of your number, may nominate as Most Worshipful Grand Master of said Lodge a brother
whose merit and capacity may be adequate to a station so important and elevated, and transmitting the name and nomination of
such brother, together with the name of the Lodge to be established, to our Grand Mother Lodge in Europe for approbation and
confirmation, and that you may adopt and execute any other ways or means most eligible for preventing impositions, correcting
abuses, and for establishing the general principles of Masonry: that the influence of the same in propagating morality and virtue may
be far extended, and that the lives and conversation of all true Free and Accepted Masons may not only be the admiration of men
on earth, but may receive the final approbation of the Grand Architect of the Universe, in the world wherein the elect enjoy eternal
light and love.
Signed in Convention in Morristown, Morris county, this seventh day of the second month in the year of our Saviour 1780, Anno
Mundi 5780. Which being read, was unanimously agreed to sign, and ordered to be forwarded with an extra copy of their
proceedings, signed by the President and Secretary, to the respective Provincial Grand Masters. And the Committee adjourned
without day.
After which the question was proposed, whether the foregoing proceedings meet with the approbation of this Lodge? And after
debate it was unanimously resolved in the affirmative. An Entered Apprentice Lecture was given by the Master to the brethren
present.
Agreed to hold a Masters' Lodge the 27th inst., at this place, at 3 o'clock P. M.
Voted, That the sum of eight dollars shall be paid by each brother to defray the expenses of this evening; if any part of which shall
remain, voted, that the same shall be delivered to Bro. Kinney, to be appropriated in the same manner as that which was put into his
hands on the meeting of St. John's Day.
Lodge closed in due time.
MORRISTOWN (N. J.), March 27, 1780.
At a Masters' Lodge, held at the Assembly Room, by the special order of the W. M.; Brs. Worthington and Barker, being Fellow
Crafts, petitioned to be raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, and being examined in open Lodge by the W. Master, and
having given satisfactory evidence of their proficiency, they were raised accordingly.
Lodge closed without day.
[The movements of the Army again impeded the operations of the Craft, and at the next entry on the Minute-Book we find the Lodge
at work, in mid-summer, on the banks of the Hudson.]
At an Entered Apprentices' Lodge, held at Robinson's House (N. Y.), July 20th, 1780. Present—Brs. Heart, W. M.; Belding, S. W.;
Judson, J. W.; Richards, Treas.; Judd, Secr'y; Coleman, S. D.; Simpson, J. D.; Whitney, Tyler; members— Wright, Chapman,
Barker, Curtis, Hobart; visitors—Tripp, Hart.
On the evening next before the Festival of St. John the Baptist, the situation of the Army being such that it was impossible to
convene the Lodge for the choice of officers, and this being the first convenient opportunity since, the Lodge now proceeded to that
business, and elected the following brethren to serve the current half year:
Jonathan Heart,
Richard Sill,
William Little,
Simeon Belding,
John Simpson,
Thomas Grosvenor,
Noah (':i|i-iii,in.
Worshipful Master;
Senior Warden;
Junior Warden;
Treasurer;
Secretary;
Senior Deacon;
Junior Deacon.
[The Minute-Book furnishes no further workings of the Lodge, until the Spring of 1782; we therefore conclude that the Army must
have been occupied in such a manner, during the intervening time, that the Craft had no opportunities to assemble.]
AMERICAN UNION LODGE, March 25, 1782.
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