I . W. GRAND LOlMiK ^licitnt, /ice, Mb ^cttptei SElasons, A i/ro \

t*a*ral ral*. it it not less true in its application to the acquisition of Ma-
»«> k» .wl«§jr«. An acquaintance with the ritutl is mflWWfJ to a proper
of the teehaieelitiee of the ritnnl is essential, but not sufficient to a right
of iu tutchlafs—of the great principles which underlie its foundation—of
ttt kirtoti. laws, tad usages. This knowledge is to be acquired, not alone by
•'• .- ••• i i i .i .1111:ir io the i-o.A— V.ut by careful
•tady of the priaeiplf s which tho ceremonies develop—the important moral
truths which they allegorically teach—the end to which they lead.
As onifonnity is Tory desirable in all our rules and regulations, I would
rMMmmcnd tbat, as a means of arriving at M desirable a ji.tsition, you make
It the duty of your (Irani Master to keep a record of all his decisions, mado
Oraad Lndge. and if not, recommend alterations or amendments, which to
them th»'l seem fit and proper—and after the Grand Lodge shall have
ameaded them—if in thur judgment they need amendment—they shall
Weaaetdered rules fer the giinm—t lif the craft in future. This plan
will go far to produce uniC nn dacisJOSM—for while a Grand Master shall
hare a record of the decisions of his predecessors before bin, which have
been ratified by t*-e Grand Lodge, he will not make any decisions to conflict
therewith, so long as he Is governed thereby.
Msme our last annual Communication, our brethren la Minnesota territory
ba»e held a convention, and organized themselves into a Grand Lodge; and
are aow snprrintend'nt; their own Masonic affairs. Throe Lodges constitute
their whole number of subordinates; yet, with tbat small number to begin
with, they had precedent to govern them. Rhode Island Grand Lodge was
ortjualasd with but the same number of Lodges; and I have no doubt but
thai the interett* of our Order will be advanced in that quarter of the
eooBtry. by the forming of said Grand Lodge. I am advised that Masonry
They elected far their flrtt 0 rand Master taj brother,
Amea. under whose watchful care and direction we have the strongest
asearaaee that every thing will be done which will tend to build up our ejdi-
!• Ukiag leave of Dr. Ames, we part with one of our pioneer*—one of
./^TTr *^ °n the outer walls—one who has built up the
\r Belndere, Koseoe, Rock ton, ane> Rock ford Lodges, are all
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t
» hisyoang Grand Lodge ''God speed."
7* ^' ' * <
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Lodge, No. 121, passes out from our jurisdiction,
number vacant. I would advise and recommend '.hat jn