They now greet you as a Lodge, in equal standing with any other; and hereafter your officers will form a part of the highest Masonic tribunal in the State.

The present condition of Freemasonry is not universally-perhaps not generally well known. Very many, for years, believed that the Order was extinct; and some still write and speak of it as a thing that was. It was indeed smitten, but not with the wounds of death;-humbled, but not deprived of strength. It was reviled, but reviled not again. It was falsely accused of many crimes; but it bore injury in silence-trusting that its innocence would not forever plead in vain with the Almighty Master. It has been preserved-and it has more life and vigor than is generally believed.

In rising from its humbled estate, we cannot fail to observe, that affliction has done it good. There is now a seriousness and solemnity in its operations-a caution in its reception of candidates, and selection of members; and an earnestness and fidelity in transmitting the principles and communicating the ritual, which were heretofore unknown.

The novelty of creating a new Lodge, must attract public attention. You, my Brethren, will find yourselves like a city set on a hill. Many circumstances will combine to concentrate public observation on you, and you must be judged by your works. Indeed, your situation is one of unusual responsibility. Your operations must do much to elevate or sink the credit of the Craft.

Your Lodge is located in a new and flourishing village, which, a few years ago was a barren and desolate pasture. It is destined soon to become a populous city. Your's is among its early institutions. By strictly observing and inculcating the Masonic duties of Wisdom, Temperance, Caution, Brotherly kindness, Relief and Truth-you will do much to improve the moral and mental character of the community amid whom you dwell.

You well know that the principles of our Institution are benevolent and pure,designing no evil to any one, but seeking the improvement and happiness of all.

Some of the features of its operation are antique. This is natural. The oldest human institution must have features of antiquity. But they must never be changed. To change, would be to destroy.

BRETHREN-Let your practice of Freemasonry ever be in its ancient simplicity and purity. Draw from it yourselves, and dispense to others, all the good it is calculated to bestow. As it existed many centuries ago-as you received it-so cherish it, and obey its precepts--and so transmit it without a shadow of change, to those who shall come after you.

This do--and while Freemasonry honors you, it will be honored by you-and the actions of your lives as well as the language of your lips, will echo the ejaculation, that has resounded through the long series of ages: "As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be."-SO MOTE IT BE.

The ceremonies of the evening were performed in an impressive manner by the G. Master, and were interspersed with excellent and appropriate music, under the direction of Brs. Oliver and Jones. A large number of Brethren were present, and so far as we could judge, all were gratified.

GRAND LODGE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

R. W. CHARLES W. MOORE,

Dear Sir and Brother :-I have before me a copy of the Charleston Mercury, which contains a notice of the election of the Grand Officers for the Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of South Carolina. I am intimately acquainted with the Officers Elect, and have no doubt that under their direction and superintendence the Craft will receive proper instruction, and labor with zeal, fortitude and prudence. Having labored with the Brethren in Charleston for several years, I know their faithfulness, and devotion to Freemasonry, and predict a bright future for the Fraternity under that jurisdiction. The Grand Master, Elect, is an old and experienced workman, having presided over Orange Lodge, years ago, and filled almost every office of importance in the Grand Lodge; withal, a very attentive Brother, at the meetings of his Lodge; he is well qualified from his experience, his zeal, and great love of the Order, for the office to which he has been elected. The Deputy Grand Master Elect is a most indefatigable Brother—for years he presided over St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 10—and guided it through trying scenes, on to respectability and prosperity. He did much, while Grand Secretary, to encourage the formation of new Lodges, and to aid them in their early days. It was by his advice that Solomon's Lodge, No. 1, (now one of the best in that State) was revived during my residence there. He is at this time, Deputy Grand High Priest of the Chapter, and his ability as an officer, I am pleased to see, is appreciated by the Fraternity. The Senior and Junior Wardens, are old and experienced Masons, always attentive to their duties, and highly respected by the Brotherhood.

The Grand Treasurer, is, or should be, ordained Grand Treasurer. He held the office of Grand Secretary for many years, and is at present at the head of the Knight Templars, and Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Carolina. He has filled his present office some four or five years—is truly an Honor-able man and looks well to the funds.

The Grand Secretary is a Past Master of Solomon's Lodge, No. 1, Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge, and Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter. He is a zealous Brother and well qualified for any office in the Grand Lodge, especially for the one to which he has been re-elected. He is favorably known as a Masonic writer, and his recent work, entitled Mackey's "Masonic Lexicon," will be followed by others of great value to the Craftsman.

The officers were elected at the annual communication of the Grand Lodge, on the second December. Will the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary forward me a copy of the printed proceedings of the Grand Lodge, and of the annual report of the present Grand Master, Dr. Irving. The officers elected are as follows:

M. W. James C. Norris, Grand Master; R. W. Fred. C. Barber, Deputy. Grand Master; R. W. Abraham E. Miller, Senior Grand Warden; R. W. John E. Odena, Junior Grand Warden; R. W. and Rev. John H. Honour, Grand Treasurer; R. W. Albert G. Mackey, M. D., Grand Secretary.

Respectfully thine,

Worcester, Mass.

A. C.

MASONIC TRIBUTE

TO THE LATE GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON,

P. G. M. OF THE GRAND LODGE OF TENNESSEE.

[The following notice of the death of the late P. G. M. ANDREW JACKSON was prepared by R. W. PHILIP P. NEELEY, Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee.] THE hand of the spoiler has been among us. His grasp has been laid upon the pillars of our edifice, and one of its stately columns lies in the dust. ANDREW JACKSON, the Hero, the Statesman, and the Patriot, has been summ onedto the upper Lodge, by the Grand Master of the universe. The duty we perforin at this hour, is a hallowed one. It is one of fraternal obligation; performed by brethren to a brother-by Masons to one of the best and truest of their Order. Not only a citizen of our State, but distinguished in the annals of her glory, and also having twice filled the chair of Grand Master of the State, it is imperative upon us to give some suitable expression of our loss in his death, as well as our high approbation of his character as a Brother, at this, our Annual Convocation. We have not received information as to the Lodge where he was made a Mason, but learn that he was for some time, during the early part of his life, in conuexion with one that met at Clover Bottom, held under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. The first reliable information afforded the writer of this sketch, connects itself with the year 1822, at which time he was elected Grand Master of the State of Tennessee, and on the first day of the session was regularly installed into office, by P. G. M. Wilkins Tannehill, who delivered a complimentary address on the occasion. During the session, he filled the chair with that dignity, and preserved that order, for which he was so eminently distinguished in all the trying situations of his life. In 1823, he was re-elected Grand Master, and evinced during the deliberations of the Grand Lodge, his usual promptitude. Since that period, he visited the Grand Lodge but once, which was in the year 1839. On Monday morning of that session, he filled the chair, and although much enfeebled by disease, united in procession and repaired to the Methodist Episcopal Church, where a sermon was delivered by Rev. Brother Maddin. Once since that occasion, he was permitted to unite with his Brethren at the installation of the officers of Cumberland Royal Arch Chapter, at which time he assisted in the usual ceremonies. Such is a summary of his Masonic history. For the Order and its principles, he was known to cherish the highest regard, and stood in constant readiness to defend them from the false aspersions of their enemies. The life of ANDREW JACKSON was a beautiful illustration of Masonic Benevolence. In him it was an expansive, a diffusive principle. It was not a contracted stream, but a progressive radius, running out to the most distant line of circumference. It scorned the formal boundaries of associations and communities. Want, was the claimant, and whenever and wherever it appealed, he heard and relieved. His heart was no yawning vortex, receiving much and dispensing naught: it was a mountain stream, gathering and then sending abroad to bless and to make happy. As to the practice of Masonry, the world was his Lodge-its dwellers, his Brethren. On the tented field, where "brotherly love" could receive no reward but the blessing of the relieved, and the felt heaven within, he was a practical Mason. There was a stirring oratory in suffering that always touched his heart and opened his purse. If tears could form a monument to kindness, long since would those shed by brave and grateful soldiery have reared one to the benevolence of ANDREW JACKSON.

His domestic virtues are worthy of our imitation. Assiduous in his efforts to make home happy, he realized in its quiet shades the most refined enjoyment. He was a father in the circle of his home. His servants regarded him as such, and were the recipients of his paternal solicitude. Although never blessed with children, yet those who were received as his by adoption, shared in the warmest affections of his heart.

But to crown all, ANDREW JACKSON was a Christian. He who had commanded others, submitted in humble confidence to Him who is above all. This is a tint in the beautiful coloring of his life's picture, that eclipses all others. It is a gleam -no, it is a glory, that covers his character with an imperishable lustre, and that will brighten his path-way through the wide range of infinite progression. Without it, he could claim no more than Napoleon; with it, he can claim a crown and sceptre-the gifts of God-which are to endure forever.

His

Brethren, he is gone. His venerable locks are no longer seen by us. eagle gaze, ever so withering to doubt, and so supporting to confidence, in our deliberations, is not upon us. His voice, at which tyranny trembled, and freedom rejoiced, is hushed. The seal of death is upon it. That brave heart, so lion-like in its energies, and so gentle in its kindnesses, is stilled. "Coldness wraps his suffering clay." The grave holds this noble Jewel of Masonry. In republican simplicity, he reposes-for "he is not dead, but sleepeth." Let him rest. Oh! disturb not his slumbers, by party execrations. Let us give his foibles to oblivion, and enshrine his virtues in our "heart of hearts." Whilst a grateful people award to him their meed of praise, be it ours so to pass the level of time, as that we may greet him in the "Holy of Holies" above. So mote it be. Amen!

MASONIC SCHOOL IN KENTUCKY.

WE avail ourselves of the able report of the Committee on foreign correspondence in the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, to present to our readers the following synopsis of the doings of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, in relation to the establishment of a Masonic School in that State, a subject which a press of other matter has prevented our attending to at an earlier date :

"The absorbing topic of interest which we observe in the proceedings of the Kentucky Grand Lodge, is the active and energetic progress she is making in the cause of Education; contemplating liberal and comfortable provision for å large number of the children of indigent and deceased Masons and others; a duty which, whether we view it in the three-fold light of a Christian, a moral, and a social obligation, or as the merest dictate of calculating and enlightened selfinterest, is alike binding on us as men and patriots, of a common brotherhood and common destiny; which cries aloud in behalf of indigence and ignorance in every clime, but especially in this, our own free, blest, and happy AMERICA, where LIBERTY hath yet something more than a name, and where, if ever her vestal fires are put out, her funeral dirge will be chanted by the demon of ignorance and the furies of ill-governed passion. But let us not multiply words. Let us look to the 'good works' of our sister Grand Lodge and emulate her example.

"More than twelve months since, the Grand Lodge of Kentucky came into possession of property in La Grange, Kentucky, in a salubrious and healthy situation, consisting of a new, commodious, and rather elegant brick building, two stories high, and well arranged for educational purposes, erected at a cost of $4,500, including the two lots of ground on which it stands, and endowed with a fund of $6,000; the whole coming to them under cover of the will of the lately deceased proprietor, subject to this one condition on the part of the testator--that there should be established and kept up, an efficient school upon the premises, to which

the sons of the citizens of the county and town might be sent as pay pupils. Solvent subscriptions to the amount of $10,850 have been obtained towards a further endowment, chiefly from the subordinate Lodges of Kentucky-besides donations in books, maps, etc., to a handsome amount, and about one thousand mineralogical specimens for the Cabinet of the Institution. Competent teachers are already employed in the preparatory and Collegiate departments, and the Institution closed its last session in August with one hundred and twentyseven pupils; the Teachers, deriving their compensation chiefly or entirely from pay scholars, are educating a number of indigent Masonic children in consideration of the facilities for teaching, furnished by the school. The Grand Lodge of Kentucky are sanguine of ultimate success in building up a Masonic School of high grade, and ask the co-operation of neighboring sister Grand Lodges. As this subject has been submitted specially to another Committee, we make in connection with it no definite recommendation; yet we can but cordially commend the spirit of 'liberal and diffusive charity,' which marks the progress of this laudable enterprize.

"The Grand Lodge has also taken some preliminary steps for the establishment, in La Grange, of a Masonic Female Academy, of like character, a suitable lot and building having been tendered them upon like conditions. We do not discover that any definite action has been taken by the Grand Lodge upon this proposition."

MASONIC INTELLIGENCE.

OHIO.

THE Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ohio, held its annual meeting at Columbus, on the 31st of October. On the opening of the Chapter, the M. E. Grand High Priest, Comp. WILLIAM B. Hubbard, Esq., made a brief but appropriate and excellent address, from which we make the following extracts:

COMPANIONS-By the blessing of Providence we have been enabled again to meet as a Grand Chapter; and I congratulate you that this, like many of its predecessors, is held in peace, and wholly undisturbed by collisions without or within our body. Indeed, our venerable Örder seems now enjoying the fruition of its hopes, it being in the free possession of all its rights and privileges, and thus enabled, without restriction or molestation, to discharge all its Masonic duties throughout the length and breadth of the land.

It is our duty, it is our obligatory duty, then, whether in Grand or Subordinate Communication, so to administer our affairs, so to conduct ourselves, individually as well as conventionally, as to receive, by deserving, the respect and good opinion of all, whether Masons or not.

I am happy to have it in my power to say, that, during the past year, nothing has occurred in any of the Subordinate Chapters to mar in the least their onward prosperity in works of benevolence and peace. Their labors have been Masonic, and the result is union and strength.

I have not been called on during the past year for Dispensations for any new Chapters, nor am I aware of any thing having transpired during that time especially requiring your interposition.