The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1853-05-07
Grand Ledge Of Minnesesa

|
! the G. L. U. S., the ceremonies of instituting
the Grand Lodge Of Minnesota took place at
Odd Fellows Hall, St. Paul, on Thursday eve
ming Of this week. District Deputy Grand Sire
John G. Potts, Of Galena, oficiated on the &C.
casion. The following officers were elected:
N. W. G. NJ, N. Greene Wilcox, Of Minnesota
Lodge, No. l.. 3,
R.W. D. G. n, Ben. W. Brunson, of St. Paul
Lodge, No. 2.
R.W.G. w., G. B. Dutton, of John G. Potts
Lodge, No. 3.
R.w. G.S., Alden Bryant, Of St. Paul Lodge,
No. 2.
R.w.G. T., S.W. Walker, of Hennepin Lodge,
No. 4.
The attendance being small, the election of
Grand Representative and the appointment of
the subordinate officers Of the Grand Lodge
was postponed until the next meeting, which
will take place the first Wednesday in July at
two o'clock, P. NJ.
ID. D. G. S. Potts, upon taking Official leave
of the brothers comprising the jurisdiction over
which he has had charge, and administered the
functions of his Office with go much ability and
integrity for the last four years, addressed the
new organization as follows:
NJ. w. Grand Master, r. w. Deputy Grand
Master, Officers and Members of the Grand
Lodge Of Minnesota:
The time has at length arrived to which
have looked forward with an intense interest
and fervent desire the time when it should
no longer be necessary for me to exercise and
perform the duties of the responsible Office of
D. D. Grand Sire of the Territory.
When called upon to institute the first Lodge
in Minnesota, it touched a chord within my
breast, the vibration of which filled nv heart
with the most pleasurable sensations; for
scarcely had one year elapsed from the time
when the wild and untutOred Indian held un-
disputed possession and sway over this beauti-
full portion of our union, when was called
upon to extend the advantages and benefits
arising from conneXion with our beloved Or
der to this distant Territory. In its infancy it
had my warmest sympathies as a valued and a
tender plant; its healthful growth has elected
my constant care, and that care has not been
bestowed in vain. Drawing nourishment from
genial soil. it soon put forth luxuriant foliage
inviting all to seek shelter and rest beneath its
cooling shade, and whose bud and blossom gave
forth a fragrance, refreshing to the sick and dis
consulate. and elevatng and purifying all that
come within the circle of its influence
1t is with emotions of pleasure and PRIDE
thus address you. speak the sentiments of my
heart, when say, that it is with all confidence
in your zeal and devotion to the Order that
resign toyOu the power heretofore vested in me
by the Grand Lodge of the United States.
The character which you have this day as
sumed as officers and members of the Grand
Lodge of Minnesota, is of no trifling nature.
1t is one not only honorable, but of great res
pOnsibility-it is that of an independent sove-
reignty, as far as your Territory extends, res
pOnsible to the great head of the Order alone.
Be vigilant, watchful and faithful sentinels be
ever at your posts guard well the portals, SO
that no enemy may enter, to produce innova-
ton upon the pure principles or landmarks of
the Order, or sow distraction amongst you.
Apart from the duties that must necessarily
devolve upon you in respect to the subordinate
Lodges under your jurisdiction, you should
consider yourselves with your intercourse with
4 your fellow men, as the true exemplifcation of
the principles of our Order and as you set
them forth, SO will their judgment be.
Having been found worthy in filing the va
riOus stations in your subordinate Lodges,
! which our laws require, and elevated to the
honorable and dignifed stations as officers and
members of Grand Lodge, you will be looked
to, not only as the administrators of the laws
of the order in your Territory, but for full il
iustration of our cherished principles. Be care
ful then that you show forth in all your actions
the beauty of the golden chain whose links
bind us all in the fraternal bond of Friendship,
Truth and Love.
In your communications with subordinate
Lodges, and in all cases where you will be
called upon to exercise the powers conferred
upon you. let Justice, tempered with Mercy,
and strict impartality be your guide.
Aud further, if you wish to perpetuate the
success which has hitherto attended our order.
be careful to instruct the subordinates under
your jurisdiction, that they permit no innova-
ton upon the landmarks and ceremonies of the
Order. Charge them in the spirit of Kindness.
to be prudent and watchful, so that the unwor-
thy may not be the recipients of the benefits and
advantages of the Order inform them that the
investigating committees cannot be too careful
in investigating the characters of all those who
would become associated with the Order; let
not an undue anxiety to Increase in numbers
tempt them to the reception of unworthy per-
sons,-warn kindly but faithfully; for if the
privileges of the Order are to he conferred in
discriminatory upon all who seek them you
will soon sec the strong foundation upon which
you now stand crumble beneath you, and the
glorious temple which has been erected. fall
crushing all in general ruin. Cling tenacious
ly. cling to the pure principles of the Order
Let them be apparent in all your actions, and
prove to the world that you are truly what you
profess Let the great command. to visit the
sick, relieve the distressed bury the dead and
educate the orphan be deeply engraven upon
your hearts.
Having Joined thesOrder in its infancy, my
sympathies have been always with it, whether
in adversely or prosperity; it has, however.
steadily increased in numbers and spread its in
fuence over the whole nation. Other institu-
tions have in the mean time sprung into exist
ence, claiming to be based on a surer founda-
ton, 1ourishng for season with a dazzling
light, and then gradually sinking into darkness
and oblivion; whilst our beloved Order. feeble |
and tender in its infancy. with nothing to re-
commend it but its principles. has increased in |
strength and stature, and grown from infancy |
through youth to manhood, claiming the res
pect and admiration of all who with an impair
tial and unprcjudiced mind, have investigated
the platform upon which we stand
AS the tide of emigration rolled it's swelling
waves over these Western prairies, and materi-
ais for the formation of Western Lodges were
being collected, the Grand Lodge of the United
Stotn s,pA Ono