The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, September 4, 1904, Page 6

THE SAN FRANCISCO SUNDAY CALL. K in California and, lik reign of the ights Templar an early bay leaf, it bas flourished and »g& axed eedingly strong. It NS early days v for im e- o and when '\‘\ k me into a stra grand commar ?";» led with delight ent, th s of the three c« mand- e appendant or ist- ate, which, 1 r charters ampment of the Uni PHOTO BY San Francisco, on Tuesday, the 10th day of August, 1838, for the purpose of yrganizing a grand commandery of K s Templar in the State of Cali- ig fornia At this time there w tered commanderies—C ch had a members Sacramento No. nrolled, and Pacific 3, with but seventeen members all told. The total number was , while in January, 1904, re were forty-two chartered com- manderies and : 4599 members. So vou see the growth of the Knights in is State has not been slow nor has en forced Alexander G. ip of fifty-thre Xty members Abell, commander of n Francisco Commandery No. 1, ated the object of the convacation, it was upon his motion that Sir commander of Sacra- nento Commandery No. 2, was invited HABENICHT. PLARISM IN CALI- FORNIA BY RIGHT EMINENT SIR JACOB HART NEFF, EX-LIEU- TENANT GOV- ERNOR Of CALI- FORNIA to preside during its deliberations On metion of Sir John S. Graham, commander of Pacific Commandery No. Sir Alexander G. Abeli was appointed corder of the convocation, and at the same time it was ordered that a com- mittee of three be appointed to ex- amine the credentials of those claiming seats in this convocation. -~ These Knights were Sir Leander Ransom, Sir John S. Graham and 1. N. Monell, who, presented the following report, which is the best early history of the com- mandery that I have any knowledge of: “To the convocation now in session: The committee appointed to examine the credentials of those claiming to be the representatives in this convogation the of the several commanderies inj State of California, having dul. in- spected the charters and recofds of the bodies and the certificatés pre- sentzd hy their respective delegate: respectfully report thereon as follows: “On the 10th day of November, 1852, a dispensation was issued by Sir Charles W. Moore, grand generalissimo of the Grand Encampment of the Uni- ted States, to Sir Gregory Yale, com- mander; Sir William B. Wakeman, generalissimo; Sir Abram Bartol, cap- tain general, and other Knights named therein, authorizing them to open and hold an encampment of Knights Templar and the appendant orders in the city of San Francisco, to be known and designated as San Francisco En- campment No. 1. That body held its first assembly and was duly organized on the 22d day of December of that year and on the 1st day of November, 1853, a charter was granted to it by the Grand Encampment. “On the 23d day of May,*1853, a dis- pensation was issued by Sir William B. Hubbard, grand master of the Grand Encampment aforesald, to Sir I c Davis, commander; Sir Jesse Morrill, generalissimo; Sir Townsend A. Thomas, captain general, and other Knights, authorizing them to open and hold a like encampment in the city of Sacramento, to be known and desig- nated as Sacramento Encampment No. 2. That body held its first assembly and was duly organized on the 5th day of July of the same year, and on the 6th_day of February, 1854, a charter was granted to it by the Grand En- campment. ‘On the 20th day of February, 1856, a dispensation was issued by Sir William B. Hubbard, grand master of the Grand Encampment aforesaid. to Sir John 8. Graham, commander; Sir Still- man H. Fickett, generalissimo; Sir James W. Marshall, captain general, and other Knights therein named, au- thorizing them to open and hold a like encampment in the city of Columbia, Tuolomne County, to be known and esignated as Pacific Encampment No. That body held its first assembly ard was duly organized on the 27th day of May, next.ensuing, and on the 10th day of September of the same year a charter was granted to it by the Grand Encampment. “All these bodies, now known as mmanderies, appear to have held eir elections regularly since the re- ception of their several charters, to have had their officers duly alled id to have béen engaged uninter- ruptedly he performance of the duties for h they were instituted, and they now properly repre- sented in t convocation as follows: San Francisco No. 1—Sir Alexander G. Abell, commander; Sir Charles E. Blake, proxy for the generalissimo; Sir Eli Cook, captain general; Sir Leander Ransom. past commander. “Sacramento No. commancer; Sir Ge proxy for the generalissi: ward H. Evans, proxy for 1 the captain S. Graham, H. Fickett, Russell, proxy Sir J. C, ptain general.” report was duly received and This resulted in all Templars in good stand- ing being invited in a body to be pres- ent during the deliberations of the con- vocation. The real history of any large con- cern must of necessity be dry, but where facts are wanted there is not very much space for flowery speeches, of a truth they are not even %fl._ropns. Perhaps the original petition at was submitted to the Grand En- camprment might be of more than ordi- nary interest to the new Knights of to-day. At any rate, it will serve as an example of how things were carried n '53: ‘0 the Most Eminent William C. Hubbard, Grand Master of Knights Templar in the United States: The petition of the undersigned, officers of three (encampments) commanderies of Knights Templar now existing in—the State of California, under charter from the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of Amer- ica, respectfully showeth: “That on the first day of November, A. D. 1853, San Francisco (encamp- ment) Commandery No. 1, held in the city of San Francisco, was chartered by ‘the above named grand body; that on the sixth day of February, A. D. 1854, Sacramento (encampment) Com- mandery No. 2, held in the city of Sac- ramento, was chartered by the same grand body; that on the tenth day of September, A. D. 1856, Pacific (encamp- ment) Commandery Ne. 3, held in the city of Columbia, was chartered by the same supreme body: and that since the reception of those several charters the three (encampments) commanderies above named, having had their officers duly installed, have been regularly and constantly at work under the said au- thority, -and have endeavored in al things to comply with the cons and regulations of the Grand Ercar ment of the United States, and to pro- mote the interests and further the proper extension of Christian chivaliy within their respective jurisdictions. “This petition of the undersigned showeth: That it is believed that the# good of the order in this State and the convenience of its members will be greatly consulted and promoted Ly the establishment of a Grand Com- mandery; and, as each of the comman- der #efore named have, at different times since the reception of their zev eral charters, adopted resolutions pressive of their ardent desire for the formation of such a grand body, the undersigned, the regularly elected and installed officers of these bodies, pro7i- ising obedience to the grand master and the Grand Encampment in all things appertaining to the order, re- spectfully request that you will issu your warrant, authorizing the estab- lishment and continuance of a Grand Commandery ‘of Knights Templar for the State of California.” This petition was signed by the offi- cers of the three commanderies and was sent from- San Francisco the 20th of April, 1858. Of course, while the warrant was expected. it was by no manner of means a foregone conclu- sion and all members of the comman- deries were considerably relieved when it really came. And this. was the way the Grand Cemimandery of Knights Templar com- menced its first conclave in San Fraa- cisco the 11th of August, 1858. For some reason or other people seem to have got the idea that the commanderies had some early difficulties to contend with, but so far as I know there was nothing of the kind. All was smooth sailing. Many of the most prominent men of the State were Knights. and as all were vastly interested and did all they couid to promote the order it stands to re: that it prospered and grew influential. The commanders have been men_ of strength and ability. as will be seen from glancing at the list from the first commander to the one of the pre: ent day. for they have been as follows: Isaac Davis, 1858; Leander Ransom, James Laurence Knglish. 1860; Alex Gurdon Abell, 1861; Charles Mursh, 18625 Henry Hare Hart- ley, 1863; William Caldwell Belch er, 1864: Henry :lcombe Rhe: 1865; Rundell, William 1566; 1Is J William F 1868-69; Charles Fred Ferdinand Barss, 1871 Wilson Traylor, 1872; Thomas Herbert Caswell, 1873; William Abraham Da- vies, 1874; Henry 1875: Hiram Throop ' Gravi 187678; Alfred Bruce Benjamin - Richard Hedges, 1381; Charles Fayet Lott, 1882; George Clement Perki trie, 1884; Phil- Reuben Hedle 3; William Monroe Pe ip, Walter Keyser, 1885 Lioyd, two years, 1886-87; Tristan Bur- ges, 1888; Carnot Courtland Mason, 1889; Samuel Hopkins Wagner, 1890; George Ashbury Johnson, 1891; Jacob Hart Neft, 18 William Vanderhurs 1893; Frank William Sumnec:. 1894; E ward Spalding Lippitt, 189 Trow- bridge Heyer 3 1896; eorge Dixon Metcalf, 1897; Robert Morris Powers, 1898; John Francis Merrill, 1599; Fred Marvin Miller, 19007 George Butterfield McKee, 1901; Frank Pierce, 1902; William Durant Knight, 1903; W. Frank Pierce, 1904 (re-elected). Of course, there is mucii about the order that is ornamental and flowery, but there is infinitely more that is good and solid and true. In the olden days pilgrims were welcomed eve and in return for the ity they received they only asked their prayers. Unfor- tunately this does not hold good to- While the pilgrims are undoubt- ediy welcomed, they are not treated as courteously by strangers unless they chance to wear the mystic token, and then it becomes a duty to help a fel- low brother. It is true hospitals are day. built upon the banks of rivers, upon the heights of mountains and in the midst of cities, but they are not for the pilgrims themselves, but for their wives and daughters. r 12 4 is one of the first dutles of a Knight to expose himself to a thousand dangers to aid the helpless and the poor. When Bernard said “Ye cover your horses with silken trappings and I know not how much fine cloth hangs pendent from your coat of mail,” he did not mean that the Templars were not brave and good. but that all this pomp and display would be of 1o -d- vantage to them spiritually, and he was somewhat afraid that the “painted spears, the bridles and spurs adorned with gold, silver and ecious gems,” would have a demoralizing effect upon them. “Three things,” he said, “are indispensably necessary to the succes of a soldier; he must be bold, activ @ and circumspect: quick in running, prompt in striking.” And in gave excellent advice. Certainly man could go far wrong in acc it as his code. In fact, were I advise a young man I could follow, unless, no better rule to hops, it be Martin Luther's beautiful prayer which seems to sum up all things— Our God, our Father! with us stay, make us keep t Free us from sin, a Give us a joyful dy Delive s And let us build Down in our very heart Oh God, may true serva And serve thee Help us with al To fight and flee with holy fear Fiee from temptation, and to With thy own weapons for the Amen! Amen! So let it be: So shall we ever sing to thee. Hallelujah! L R =€ o e e X3 in tt California, although not the first After due deliberation it was resolved Stevenson, the deputy grand master, has been tried in the fires, but it has ing lodges, with a membership of of any other State, were the Pacific Coast, a lodge having be sembiage o proceed with the John A. Tutt. presided. Five lodges nobly striven aud is still a flourishing 30.00 Altogether there have been s r— instituted at Oregon City in Oregon > for the were represented at the communica- lodge. Its officers and members may zed in the State 364 lodges, of benign in and bene- on the 11th day of September, 1848. Stalc ot talitornia. uance of tion and a charter was granted to an- well feel proud of the splendid record 73 have, by consolidation and actions of Masonr more need- The good Brother Peter L. whis solution & commitwe composed other—sSutter Lodge No. 6. California that it has made. Brother Saschel causes, ceased to exist The e i for good Mis life in 1859, shot t death ot Brothers Charles Gilmon, J. D. Ste- Lodge has been enrolled upon the reg-. Woods, the first master of the lodge, Masonic institution is in a most flour- r m Bt & Indians. His body was recov venson, vohn A. tutt, J. H. Gihon and jster of the Grand Lodge as No. 1, d in 1854, and the Grand Lodge, in ishing condition. Indeed, there s ng the days of the early pio- Pyramid Lake and was buried at Hon- 'lhomas k. Gray was. appointed 0 Western Star as No. 2 and Tehama as recognition of his worth and useful- to be danger of Masonry becoming 2 rs of California. At that time, as €y Lake, on his own ranch. The place drait a constitution for the Grand No, It is claimed by many that ness, erected a monument, thus per- p: ar, and there would be dan L~ California numbered among its Where rest the mortal remains of this Lodge. On the 19th day of April, 1850, IWestern Star should have had the petuating the memory of the first were it not for the fact that the me ANS S ¥ = »d man is marked by a monument the conmiitice reported. Theil repult honor of being No. 1, its charter hav- master of a Masonic. lodge in this bers are conservative and generally ¢ 7 sitants people of ev nation and erected by the citizens and testifying was unanimously adopted. Thus was jng heen granted prior to that of Cali- State. exercise great care In regard to the 5 iud ime, the kind offices women were to their affection and respect for the instituted the Grand Lodge ol ( u“fji!'- fornia. We have been unable to find At the semi-annual communication character of those who seek to s and » pre- noble picneer, whose kind heart and nia, a Grand Ludg‘v: ‘m.:mud to tuke v record of the reason for this of the Grand Lodge, held on the 28th the portals of the lodges. ~) N home life were Poble integrity as a'man and Mason high rank in the guluxy ol Grand ranking of these two lodges. Western day of November. 1850, there were re- Since the organization of the Gr >N 72 i had won the hearts of all. The grand Louges upon the American continent. r Lodge was originally located at pcrted eleven lodges, with a member- },»%:rm unknown old Lassen’s Peak, with its beautiful An \V\.un!: for urt:;wr:]\n;drr :ms Eenton City, but is now located at’ship of 2568.. On the first of August - - Among the early pioneers there were snow, svmbol of purity—a monument constitution having been heid resulted gpasta, in Shasta C i e by Sgdy b7 e g e P - - { #\ good men and true, thorv imbued erected by the Supreme Architect—will in the choice of Brothers Jonathan D. Bpste, 10 Shagts Couuty.c. T1a Wdys ‘1900, therk weis Tepertal 591 work- Continued on Page AW the teachings and principles of forever bear testimony to his goodness Stevenson as grand master, John A. . %o B n and ap- and worth. ‘rutt deputy grand master, Caleb OU o G e 2 s A charter, begring date of November Fenner as senior grand warden, Sas- l 9, 1848, under the name of Cali chel Woods as junior grand warden, Lodge No. 13, was issued by the Gr Berryman Jennings as grand treasu Lodge of the District of «Columbia. and John H. Gihon as grand s LINE This charter authorized Brothers Levi .and these officers were duly installed. Stowell as worshipful master; William On the same day Connecticut Lodge Van Voorhies, as senior warden, and was recogiized as a legally constituted OF B. ¥. McDouga junior warden, to lodge unaer the jurisdiction of Califor- open and hold a lcdze in the ecity of nia, by the name of Tehama Lodge; s Francisco. In conformity with Westein Star Lodge was recognized as FREE {his wuthority, Brother Stowell opened & legally constituted lodge, retaining lodge in San Francisco in October, original name; and lifornia dge was recognized as a legally con- and determined native of Den- » adopted son of Amerlc with David D. Dutton, late of aville, So- with whom the writ intimately acquainted, Bodega in a devout ano Countv, tch was and a few others, landed at 1840, They remained Bodega for a and then me to Yerba , now San Fra SCO. Lassen went thence to San Jose and spent the winter of 1840 working at his trade, that of black- smith. Later he obtained a gr: jand, which he selected in W ow Tehama Count He came o Te- amu County in 1845, jaid out & town which he named Benton City, and de- termined to establish a Maso: iodge at his home. Brother Lassen gave h nzme to that grand mountain which its crest far up beyond the toward heaven known as La Peak. It stands with its snow- capped summit as an enduring monu- to the virtues and the purity of 1 honored Mason. Lassen’s ranch soon became a well known landmark and the habitat of true Masonic hos- pitality. In 1847 Brother Lassen re- turned to Missouri for the avowed purpose of bringing back to Califor- nia a train of emigrar and if pos- sible a charter for a Masonic lodg » Missouri Saschel Woods and othe: joined with him in an application to the Grand Jlodge of Missouri for a charter to establish a lodge in Califor- The application was granted and charter was issued May 10, 1848, ith the title of Western Star Lodge No. 98 inserted. This charter named Brother Saschel Woods as worship- ful master, L. E. Stewart as senior warden and Peter Lassen as junior warden. T lodge was located at Benton City. It was opened as a lodge under the charter on the 30th day of October, 1849, the first lodge instituted in whit is now the State of . 1849, the Grand Lodge issued a charter grant- to Brothers Calel rshipful master; Jam senior wa n, and 2 junior warden, to open and Hubbell. : hold 4 lodge in the Territory of Cali- fc In conformity with the thority granted, a lodge was op by Brother Fenner in the city ramento, under the name of Connecti- cut Lodge No. 7. > ides these three regularly char- tered lodge: there were two other New Jer located at Sacra- f ation granted by nd master of the State of New nd Benicia Lodge, un- der a dispensation from the Independ- ent G 4 Lodze of Louisiana. On the 17th day of April, 1850, pur- 1t to notice duly given, delegates from the aforenamed lodges assembled in the city of Sacramento for the pur- pose of forming a Grand Lodge. The delegates from Western Star Lodge, No. 9% of Benton City, were Brothers J. Wilcoxon, Thomas E. Groz and C. Clarke; from California Lodge No. 13 of San Francisco, Brothers Charles Gilman, J. D. Stevenson and John H. Gihon; from Connecticut Lodge No. 75 of Sacramento, Brothers John A. Tutt, L. J. Wilder and B. B. Gore; from New Jersey Lodge, U. D., of Sac- ramento, Brothers W. N. Doughty, Berryman Jennings and A. G. Hartt, and from Benicia Lodge, U. D., Broth- er B. D. Hyam. Brother Charles L. Gilman of San Francisco, a past grand master of Maryland, was chosen as chairman of the convention and Brother B. D. Hy- am as secretary. Under what is known as the “American Doctrine” it was nec- eseary that there shouid be present the representatives of at least three reg- ularly chartered lodges in any State to entitle such State to establish a Grand Lodge. Consequently New Jersey. Lodge and Benicia Lodge, not being chartered lodges, could not parflclpale in form- ing the Grand Lodge of California; the delegates were, however, invited to take part in the deliberations of the convention. : stituted lodge with privilege to re the nume which it had at the time go desired. On this day also a charter was granted to New Jersey Lodge, by the name of Berryman Lodge, which name was, at the first annual commu- nication of the Grand Lodge, changed to Jennings Ledge, No. 4. The grand master was authorized to issue a char- ter to Benicia Lodge on the approval of its records. This was done and Cali- fornia had now five duly constituted lodges. The Grand Lodge of California con- vened in annual session for the first time on the 7th day of May, 1850. Grand Master Stevenson, beink unable to at- tend, presented a brief but comprehen- sive communication, from which we excerpt the introductory paragraph: Brethren: The formation of a Grand Todge for the State of California should be a subject of sincere congratulation to cvery Mason here and elsewhere; for prob- ably in no part of the habitable globe has its usefulness been made so manifest as in this country within the past year. Al- ready does California number among its inhabitants persons of évery nation and. clime known to the civilized world, all seeking, by enterprise and {ndustry, to fm- prove their condition in life; and it not unfrequently happens that ~ within the distance of - few hundred yards of a mining district there will be found many persons laboring together who are stran- gers in Janguage, heart and feelings; but it they be members of our anclent order, c < each is the master of a language that all can understand. and there at once springs up that deep féeling of fraternal affection which has ever so distinctly marked and distingulshed the members of the Ma- sonic fraternity above all others; for. as a member of this order, no one can be a stranger among his brethren—no one can be in sickness or affliction without some one ministering to his wants and contrib- uting to his comforts—and nowhere is this holy fellowship and brotherly love more frequently called into requisition than in this land of gold and vromise; for no- where is man more dependent upon his fellow man for all the necessary comforts and 5o often has ¢ the Masonic order been witnessed and felt in various parts of this country, as well in health as in the dreary hours of sickness and death, that all who have witnessed those influ- ences have learned properly to appreciate the benefits of the institutlon in a com- munity like ours. ’ In the absence of Grand Master MA- SONRY IN CALI- FORNIA BY J. W. ANDER- SON, PAST GRAND LEC- TURER OF THE GRAND LODGE