Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1861-10-24
The Grand Lodge of Masons of Ohio
on the Rebellion.

The M. w. Grand Master, Bro Geo. Rex,
thus prefaced his Annual Communication
to the Grand Lodge:
Since last we met in Annual Grand Com
muDication, events have transpired of such
a character as TO cast gloom over our be-
loved country and to excite in the heart of
every patriot entimentsof the deepest anx-
iety and sorrow. One year ago, all was
peace and harmony and he who addressed
you from this chair congratulated you up
on the favorable circumstances under which
you were then assembled But alas how
changed war, has raised its horrid font,
and on all sides is heard the din of prepara-
ton for the conflict. A portion of our mis-
guided countrymen-sons IF the same great
Fatherland--sharers of the same priceless
struggles, the sufferings and the blood of our
common Fathers, without any real or lust
cause, are ruthlessy endeavoring to destroy
this, the fairest fabric of human government
ever reared by the hands of man.
In this deplorable crisis in our affairs. it
becomes us, as Masons, to determine what
is our duty to our country, our Brethren and
ourselves In addition to the fealty, the
loyalty and the attachment which every citi
zen owes to his country, it is enjoned upon
every Mason, as his first and highest duty,
to be true to his country and just to his
government.
We may net, as Masons, enter into any
political controversy as to the cause of the
present lamentable condition of affairs bnt
we may, nay, it is our duty, not only as Ma
sons, but as citizens, to remember that our
country and its Constitution are in imminent
danger, and that we are bound by every tie
of honor, love and duty. to defend them,
and to maintain inviolate their safety and the
honor of our Flag.
Our duty to our brethren, which is second
only to our duty and devotion to God and
our. country is the duty of love, which bids
Us in the hour OF triumph to remember
mercy, and amid the strife. the tumult and
the roar of battle, to be ever ready to extend
the helping aud protecting hand to faller
foe.
Brother VIM. b. Hubbard, NJ. w. p
CIR Master. Chairman ofa select committed
to which the above was referred, made re
port as follows:
, We have carefully read, and attentively
considered the language ofour NJ. w. Crane
: Master, and most heartily approve the pa
triotc and Masonic views expressed by him
Ilc briefly, but forcibly brings to our tiev
the fact that portion of the citizens of tn,
y United States have arrayed themselves il
y rebellion against the Government and it
constituted authorities. We are all, as citi
+ zens and Masons, cognizant of the fact ; an,
: history has already recorded that this re
u bellion this widespread treason. is the re
y suit ofa conspiracy, planned and organize'
for tho overthrow and destruction of ou
common government and its lawfully con
u stituted authorities. In this most extraor
s. dinary crisis, the question presents itself witt
Al, L p
u not in one locality only, but throughout tn,
whole extent OF our common country? Tn
answer is plain and imperative, and is to
R found, not only in the most ancient charge
Is but in oil the subsequent teachings of Free
= masonry. "a Mason is n peaceful subjec
u Of the civil power and SIS neUer to be con
9 ccrned in plots or conspiracies against tn
p peace and welfare of the nation" say thes
5, "ancient charges"
y And again, "ifa brother should be rcbe
'e against the State, he is not to be counter
y anced 10 his rebellion, however he may b
.e pitie1 asan unhappy man." This Language
c like all the landmarks and teachings of tn
s fundamental principles Of Masonry, is un
:. versal among. Masons, and obligatory upo
y each and all alike.
lcl Loyalty to the Government, then, next t
J, their duty to God, has ever been regarde
as the distinguishing characteristic of Ere
and Accepted Masons And the f;lithtu
le unyiclding practice Of those virtues, is cr
y Joined in every lesson incucated, in tn
~ ethics, or at the altar, Of our beloved ordei
oi And when engaged in the discharge of ou
~ sacred duties. and in maintaining the trus
u reposed in US, we are enjoined in the mo.
DC emphatic manner to lay down our life,
y necessary, in the defence OF our integrity.
ID Your committee, then, are of the Opinio
10 that all worthy Masons will be found ac
le ing as unit in accordance with their tcact
~ ings and professions That in coaimpn wit
Il their fellow citizens not of their order, the
W have q common government, and hber,i,
'e IN common, now imperilied, to be dctenae.
~ supported, maintained and perpctuatel ]
IN aud that they, individually, or as who
will be found like their fathers of old, ARA.
ed against plots conspiracies and rebellion
I'd and ready with all the means with which
lnerciful God has endowed them, to do
30 die in just cause. And that as in olde
st time, in England, on the continent and
~ this country, among the most ardent defent
n ers Of good government and liberty, wei
US brothers of our order To their descenlent
lg our brothers of this day will be found usir
their battle cry of Pro Dec et Patr4a, unit
re the present wicked rebellion is overthrow
sc auu ptuce anu luWiui authority Snal ont
to more, and We trust forever, reign over o,
y then, as heretofore, happy land.
e, In concluion, your Committee respect
or fully offer, for adoption, the following res
" lutions:
4. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge
r. Free and Accepted Masons regards the do
trine of secession as advocated by a contra'
class Of American politicians as n,onstro,
absurdity. Ii acquesced in, the Constit,
ton of the United Sta es would become te
al de Sc
Il 2. Resolced, That in this present unna
q. ural contest, the institution of FREE MAsol
" RY has no attribute that can take side wit
rebellion.
8. Resolped, Thatit is tho duty of ever
al worthy Mason, in this hour of peril, to star
~ by the General Government even at the Q.
ii pense Of fortune and life; that the blessin,
~ ~ of constitutional liberty and union, as han,
i ed down to us by our Fathers, may be o.
J, ioyed by us in our day and generation, an
- be transmitted unimpaired to our posteri
forever. =.
- The vote of the Grand Lodge on the r
q port and resolutions was emphatic-it beir
- UNANIMOUS. h'i