Habersham County History

Georgia Masonic Lodge

Masonic Biography and Dictionary comprising The History of Ancient Masonry, Antiquity of Masonry, Written and Unwritten Law, Derivation and Definition of Masonic Terms, Biographies of Eminent Masons, Statistics, List of All Lodges in the United States, Etc.
Compiled by Augustus Row, K. T.
Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co. 1868

Anti-Masonry - In 1826 a great cry was raised by the political tricksters of the country against Freemasonry.

To insure success, the party had recourse to every stratagem, and amongst the most popular was the story hatched out of the so-called and supposed abduction of an individual named Morgan, at Batavia, New York, in 1826, for exposing the secrets of the order. This fellow, finding no doubt his enterprise a failure, secreted himself, and circulated the story in order to meet a ready sale of his work, which was but a republication of “Jachin and Boaz,” published in Albany, in 1790, from an English work. The frenzy with which politicians hashed and rehashed this story, obtained for them about 100,000 supporters in New York. In Pennsylvania, where the Hon. Judge Giullis was arrested for complicity in the affair, the party succeeded in dividing the vote. In Vermont, the party, fired with unceasing efforts, succeeded for a time. But this was not to last. The party had grown so rapidly, swollen so hugely with broken-down politicians, and presented such an empty hollowness of principle, that it exploded with the contempt of all good citizens. In Pennsylvania, the Legislature inaugurated a series of persecutions, and the hero Thaddeus Stevens, Esq., of Lancaster, a rejected applicant of Good Samaritan Lodge, Gettysburg, Pa., was not able to force the secrets from the order. The principles of the order having become known and found their way to the people, the sentiment was soon changed, and the ill-shaped Anti-Masonic party, having no other aim than power and corruption, came to an end. But the power behind the throne has again shown its huge-footed plans and the resurrection of its skeleton is now proposed. Whether the new effort will succeed, remains for the future to disclose, but it matters little, as the truths of a genuine Christian system of charity and benevolence, as produced by Freemasonry, are engrafted in the minds of the people, not to be rooted out by persecution. (See U.S. “Anti-Masonic Convention.”)

Georgia – Freemasonry was introduced into this state about 1730-1734. In 1735, the Grand Lodge of England granted a Charter for a Lodge at Savannah. In December 16^th, 1786, the Grand Lodge was organized.

Grand Lodge – The body that has exclusive jurisdiction in a State or kingdom over the Subordinate Lodges, and all Masons within its bounds. It empowers subordinate bodies to practice all the rights of Masonry. Originally the order was not governed by Grand Lodges, but the right existed inherently to act as individuals. However, the ancient brethren met annually, to consult upon Masonry and select a Grand Master. But as the order increased in power and numbers, it became necessary to establish Grand Lodges, for the interest of the order. The first charter granted was to St. Alban’s, for a General Assembly, and subsequently Prince Edwin obtained a charter to assemble all Masons at York. It was thus the order obtained and has ever since recognized the necessity of a Grand Lodge.

Grand Lodges and their Jurisdiction – A Grand Lodge has jurisdiction over the territory of the State in which it is organized, and no other Grand Body can exercise any authority or charter Lodges therein. It is governed by the ancient usages and landmarks of the order, and acknowledges no superior authority than these.

Jackson, James, Maj.-Gen. – Born in Devonshire, England, 21^st Sept. 1757, died at Washington, D. C., 15^th March, 1806. He came to America in 1772, and read law in Savannah, Ga. In July, 1782, Gen. Wayne selected him to receive the keys of Savannah from the British upon their evacuation. In 1778, he was appointed a brig.-general of Georgia militia, and was wounded in the engagement of Ogeechee. He was at the siege of Savannah in Oct. 1779, and at the battle of Blackwater in 1780. Gen. Andrew Pickens made him his brigade-major in 1781. He participated in the siege of Augusta in June, 1781. He filled an important post in the Southern revolutionary struggle. In 1778, he was elected Governor of Georgia, but declined to serve. He was one of the first representatives of Georgia in Congress after the organization of the Federal Government, and from 1792 to 1795, a member of U.S. Senate. About this time he was made a major-general. He assisted in framing the Constitution of Georgia, and from 1798 to 1801, was their Governor, when he was again chosen U. S. Senator. In 1785, in King Solomon’s Lodge, at Savannah, which had commenced its work under an old oak-tree in 1733, and belonged to the Modern, we find his first Masonic Records. In July, 1785, he proposed that they form themselves into the Ancients, which was done. In 1786, when the Independent Grand Lodge was formed, he was elected Dep. G. Master, and the following year elected Grand master, which he held until 1789.

Statistics –
Number of Lodges in the various States, from 1816. In 1816, many of the Grand Lodges were not formed, and hence no returns.

Georgia – 1816, No. of Lodges – 14; 1822, No. of Lodges – 20; 1859, No. of Lodges – 320; 1866, Members – 10,023 ( with returns from 162 out of 250 Lodges) and Initiated – 2,373.

United States Anti-Masonic Convention. –
This convention assembled at Philadelphia, 11^th September, 1830. It was the first formidable attempt of a national combination in opposition to Freemasonry. There were 96 members, representing Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Rhode Island, Ohio, New jersey, Michigan, Maryland, and Delaware. At that time but few persons of eminence were among the delegates, but several of them, attaching themselves to other “issues,” and abandoning political anti-masonry, subsequently became known. Among them were Francis Granger, Henry Dana Ward, Frederick Whittlesey, Wm. H. Seward, N. Y., and Pliny Merrick, Mass. The cement that bound such minds to men like David Bernard, Moses Thatcher, Thaddeus Stevens, and Joseph Ritner, must have possessed powerful magnetism. Francis Granger was made Prest., seconded by six Vice-Presidents. A remarkable fact is, that no State west of Ohio or south of Maryland had a delegate. Maine and New Hampshire refused the part assigned them, and sent no delegate. Fourteen committees were appointed, and the questions relative to Masonic rituals, history, and jurisprudence were divided among them. Mr. Seward was to report resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the Convention. A proposition to inquire into the pecuniary circumstances of the widow and children of William Morgan was rejected, as “that was not the purpose for which they had assembled.” Three gentlemen of North Carolina took their seats as honorary members. The committee “on the effects of Masonic ties and obligations on commerce and revenue of the U.S.,” were discharged without a report. In the report of the influence of Masonry upon the public press, it was reported that between 1826 and 1830 there had been 124 anti-masonic papers established, to wit: Pennsylvania, 53; New York, 46; Connecticut, 2; Rhode Island, 1; Massachusetts, 5; Vermont, 4; New Jersey, 2; Ohio, 9; Indiana, 1; Michigan,1. A number of these journals simply kept quiet to see what the mountain would bring forth, and when they found it to be a mouse, tacked about and retired from the sinking anti-masonic vessel. The summing up of these profound deliberations were: 1. That the expositions of Masonic secrets are true. 2. That Freemasonry originated early in the 18^th century. 3. That its oath are not obligatory. 4. That adhering Masons are disqualified for public officers. 5. Masonry and its principles are inconsistent with the genius of American Institutions. 6. That Masonry should be extinguished at the ballot –box. 7. That the public Press are evil. The Convention adjourned to meet at Baltimore, Sept. 26^th, 1831, to nominate candidates for President and Vice-President. The Convention nominated Wm. Wirt and Amos Ellmaker for their standard-bearers. These renowned champions went forth to battle, and brought as trophies from the field the electoral vote of Vermont. But the dog was now dead; and the leading fanatical spirits discarded it, as it ever was a worthless hotchpotch of the villainies of broken-down political tricksters.

American Military Lodges. - The following are the military lodges that were instituted in the American army during the revolutionary war.

St. John’s Regimental Lodge, in the U. S. Battalion, warranted by the G. L. of New York, Feb. 24^th, 1775.
American Union Lodge, in the Connecticut Line, warranted by the G. L. of Massachusetts, Feb. 15^th, 1776.
No. 19, in the 1^st Regiment, Pennsylvania Artillery, warranted by G. L. of Pennsylvania, May 18^th, 1779.
Washington Lodge, in the Massachusetts Line, warranted by the Massachusetts G. L., Oct. 6^th, 1779.
No. 20, in North Carolina Regiment, warranted by the G. L. of Pennsylvania, _____1779.
No. 27, in Maryland Line, warranted by G.,L. of Pennsylvania, April 4^th, 1780.
No. 28, in Pennsylvania Line, warranted by G. L. of Pennsylvania, _______1780.
No. 29, in Pennsylvania Line, warranted by G. L. of Pennsylvania, July 27^th, 1780.
No. 31, in New Jersey Line, warranted by G. L. of Pennsylvania, March 26^th, 1781.
No. 36, in New Jersey Line, warranted by G. L. of Pennsylvania, Sept. 2d, 1782.

LIST OF LODGES.

(The numbers below that are blank did not have a lodge assigned to them, it was just easier to let it auto number itself instead of leaving these numbers out as they are in the book. This is a list of Lodges as of 1859, not 1868 the date of publication of the book)

GEORGIA

Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Georgia

Solomon’s, Savannah
Social, Augusta
Stith, Sparta
Rising Sun
Macon, Macon
Golden Fleece, Covington
Columbia, Columbia
Orion, Bainbridge
Mt. Hope, Hawkinsville
Olive, Talbolton
Franklin, Warrenton
Cross, Lumpkin
Americus, Americus
Marion, Tazewell
Zerubbabel, Savannah
Hamilton, Hamilton
Darley, Ft. Gaines
Monroe, Forsythe
Washington, Cuthbert
Rising Sun, Reidsville
Hiram, Florence
Mt. Vernon, Athens
Lafayette, Washington
General Warren, Monroe.

Albany, Albany

Philomathean, Elberton
Meridian Sun, Griffin
Morning Star, Thomaston
Union, La Grange
Madison, Madison
Amity, Walkinsville
Montgomery, Zebulon
St. Patrick, Danville
Keneson, Marietta
San Marino, Greensboro
Houston, Perry
Unity, Jefferson
Fraternal, McDonough
Blue Mountain, Dahlonega
Newborn, Newborn
Ebenezer, Ebenezer
Pythagoras, Decolin
Concord, Concord
West Point, West Point
Lafayette, Cumming
St. John’s, Jackson
Washington, Pondtown
Oglethorpe, Columbus
Jackson, Hickory Grove
St. Thomas, Thomsonville
Jasper, Monticello
Hiram, Danbury
St. Patrick, Louisville
Mt. Moriah, Fayetteville
Clinton, Savannah
Knoxville, Knoxville
Burns, Lamir
Greeneville, Greeneville
Hamilton, Soudersville
Atlanta, Atlanta
Coweta, Newnan
Chatahootche, Franklin
Randolph, Pumpkintown
Georgetown, Georgetown
Mt. Moriah, Woodstock
Traveler’s Rest, Traveler’s Rest
Coosa, Rome
Dawson, Crawfordville
Dawson, Social Circle
Carroll, Carrollton
Erin, Erin
Oxford, Oxford
Villa Rica, Villa Rica
Aleova, Newton Factory
Unity, Palmetto
Laurens, Dublin
Campbellton, Campbellton
Canton, Canton
Lincoln, Lincolnton
Tien, Buena Vista
Weston, Weston x Roads
Oak Bowery, Ellijay
W. P. Arnold, Wrightsboro’
Zaradotha, Lexington
Lithoma, Lithoma
Daniel, Island Creek
Magnolia, Blakely
Jonesboro’, Jonesboro’
Pinta, Barnesville
Eldorado, Plattsburg
Ringold, Colbert’s Mills
Western, La Fayette
Carten, Pleasant Hill
St. Mark’s, Gold Hill
New River, Corinth
Eureka, Starkville
Liberty Union, Taylor’s Creek
Euharlee, Van Wert
Houston, Houston
Siloam, Snapping Shoals
St. John, Raysville
Cartersville, Cartersville
Rose, Whitesville
Pleasant Ridge, Pleasant Ridge
Montpelier, Montpelier
Dalton, Dalton
Quitman, Ringgold
Thurmond, Hillsboro’
Chapel, Lumpkin
Summerville, Summerville
Ft. Valley, Ft. Valley
Stone Mountain, Stone Mountain
Walton, Shady Dale
Tallapoosa, Buchanan
Allegheny, Blairsville
Troup Factory, Troup Factory
Wornam, Clinton
Farmer’s, Vienna
Kinbrough, Columbus
McIntosh, Indian Springs
Mackey, Cove Spring
Caedonia, Cedartown
Williamsville, Williamsville
Baker, White Plains
Furlon, Bobtsville
Jabon Burr, Mountville
St. Mary’s, St. Mary’s
Ancient York, Sandy Ridge
Union, Quito
Fickling, Butler
Salem, Cudoden
Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville
Long Cone, Long Cone
Mt. Hickory, Easterling
Fergus, Buncombe
Cassville, Cassville
Malloryville, Malloryville
Howard, Maxey’s Depot
King David, King’s Chapel
Claremont, Liberty Hill
Charity, Petersburgh
Haralson, Haralson
South Western, Oglethorpe
Ellerslie, Ellerslie
Cohultah, Spring Place
Kirlin, Mulberry Grove
Sulphur Springs, White Sulphur Springs
Phi Delta, Phi Delta
Woodbury, Woodbury
Carmel, Irwington
Wellington, Wellington
Sharon Grove, White Water
Springville, Powder Springs
Otheologa, Calhoun
Chandler, Jamestown
Harmony, McLendon’s Store
Oakland, Ferris Bridge
Irving, Chickasawahatchee
Bowenville, Bowenville
Harmony, Appling
Tallulah, Clarksville
Joppa, Pt. Peter
Star in the East, Millhaven
Triggs, Marion
Rosswell, Rosswell
Webbs’, Augusta
Floyd Springs
Adairsville, Adairsville
Mt. Ebal, Fayettsville
Emory, St. Cloud
Philadelphus, Penfield
Ocopilco, Ocopilco
Patrick Henry, Drayton
Holt, Quebec
Zabud, New-market
Acworth, Acworth
Pine Grove, Pine Grove
Trenton, Trenton
Fairburn, Fairburn
Milford, Milford
Dallas, Dallas
High Falls, Cross Ridge
St. John Baptist, Troupville
Cool Spring, Cool Springs
Carnersville, Carnersville
Centre, Union
Marshal, Preston
Herman, Hartwell
Baker, Newton
Rockwell, Mulberry
Rehoboth, Nockway
Coffee, Jacksonville
Worth, Isabella
Holmesville, Holmesville
Trader’s Hill, Trader’s Hill
Wells, Calaparchee
Milwood, Milwood
Lumber City, Lumber City
Eastern Light, Copeland
Ococee, Morganton
Tunnel Hill, Tunnel Hill
Ashler, Concord
Miller, Thomson
Hickory Flat, Hickory Flat
Bowden, Bowden
Armonia, Duncansville
Hudson, Glades x Road
Alopaha, Troublesome
Brookline, Brookline
Butler, Alopaha
Irwin, Irwinville
Ogechee, Ogechee
Ocean, Brunswick
Goulding, Dublin
Fulton, Atlanta
Waresborough, Waresborough
Halt, Colginth
Gainesville, Gainesville
Picken’s Star, Jasper
Sonora, Sonora
Etowah, Dawsonville
Smith, Red Hill
Magnolia, Magnolia
Attapulgus, Attapulgus
Ft. Early, Warwick
Altamaha, Johnson
Yellow River, Gwinnett
Schley, Dawson
Mineral Spring, Plains of Dura

LIST OF GRAND CHAPTERS

GEORGIA

Organized Feb 23d. 1821, Louisville and Augusta represented;

Subsequently approval and vote of officers forwarded by Chapters at Lexington, Eastonton and Milledgeville – files in my possession imperfect.

Grand High Priests –

1822, Gov. William Schley, Louisville (died Nov. 20^th, 1858)

1848, Wm. T. Gould, Augusta

1854-9, Philip T. Schley, Savannah

Grand Secretaries –

1823, Daniel Hook, Louisville

1848, W. H. Kitchen, Augusta

1854 to 1860, Benjamin B. Russell, Augusta

Subordinates –

No. 1 – Athens

2 - Augusta

3 - Savannah

4 – Macon

5 – Forsyth

6 – Milledgeville

7 - Columbus

8 - Talbolton

9 – Washington

10 – Griffin

11 – LaGrange

12 – Ft. Gaines

13 – Marietta

14 – Newbern

15 – Albany

16 – Atlanta

17 – Lumpkin

18 – Fort Valley

20 – Eatonton

21 – Warrenton

22 – Carrollton

23 - Ellaville

24 – Dalton

25 – Elberton

26 – Rome

27 – Greensboro

28 – McDonough

30 – Hamilton

31 – Cuthbert

32 – Lithonia

33 – Sandersville

34 – Newnan

35 – Zebulon; Cartersville

37 – Fayetteville

38 – Franklin

39 – Lawrenceville

40 – Monroe

41 – Cedar Town

42 – Americus

43 – Covington

44 – Thomasville

45 – Blakely

SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS

Organized under Authority of the Grand Encampment of the U.S., or recognized by it, since its formation, on first day of June 1816.

GEORGIA

Georgia, at Augusta, May 5^th, 1823

St. Omer at Macon, 26^th July, and September, 1848.

St. Aldemar, at Columbus, December, 1857; Jan. 24th, 1860.

Comy. Coeur de Lion, at Atlanta, May 14^th, 1859; September 17^th, 1859.

Grand Encampment formed, April 25^th, 1860.

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